I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Authors Reflect on Part 3 of the World's Largest Sherlock Holmes Collection

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"I felt some reflection of his elation" [BRUC]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvw_sDCI-v69p4cMNYor0Bg17gWoeBlGsbrvsUwCJeDw8hfWvxYo_vqNDbd1xXqJBM66_aOwQPjuDbVfl4TQffw8udSpbytg1nQ7d6sb5Hi2RFuUUaOkrMCDr8Ko5dxMT3qyP_mmFaNzv/s1600/vol+3+-+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvw_sDCI-v69p4cMNYor0Bg17gWoeBlGsbrvsUwCJeDw8hfWvxYo_vqNDbd1xXqJBM66_aOwQPjuDbVfl4TQffw8udSpbytg1nQ7d6sb5Hi2RFuUUaOkrMCDr8Ko5dxMT3qyP_mmFaNzv/s400/vol+3+-+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229605719/the-worlds-largest-new-sherlock-holmes-story-colle" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> campaign for the world's largest Sherlock Holmes collection comes to a close this Sunday, August 16th, and we wanted to give some of the participating authors in the anthology's final volume a chance to reflect on their involvement. If you haven't yet read <a href="http://ihose.co/mxauthors1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://ihose.co/mxauthors2nd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 2</a>, take a look; we'll follow the same pattern here as we ask each author from Part 3 two questions:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Tell us a little bit about your story without giving too much away. Where and when does it take place? Why did you choose that time for your story?</li>
<li>Why did you want to contribute to the anthology?</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
 Here are the responses from the participating authors in chronological order by the time their story takes place:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="https://rycardus.wordpress.com/">Geri Schear:</a></b>  <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"> </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK1VA1IF6HZZANaEKrRADfJYI9-x1a5oUg_yt1yqriNEigUDfuQj5Fdma8_iGYGJfLneKovGVFZ8EwkDiZZSpWmiqZnR1lRxgYeBl59ozdHMY1YTdIWcHLD33ECEVmNO_wrjnIDhnnody/s1600/MX+-+Geri+Schear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK1VA1IF6HZZANaEKrRADfJYI9-x1a5oUg_yt1yqriNEigUDfuQj5Fdma8_iGYGJfLneKovGVFZ8EwkDiZZSpWmiqZnR1lRxgYeBl59ozdHMY1YTdIWcHLD33ECEVmNO_wrjnIDhnnody/s320/MX+-+Geri+Schear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a particular fondness for the Gothic Conan Doyle tales, and Harbinger of Death falls into that category. In my story, a young woman seeks Holmes's advice because it has been foretold that her beloved aunt will die on Friday the Thirteenth.<br />
<br />
The story is set in Baker Street and in the north London region of Hadley Wood during March 1896. I needed a month and a setting that would enhance the eerie mood. I also wanted to set the story around the first Friday the Thirteenth of the year.<br />
<br />
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work has given me immeasurable entertainment over the years. Supporting his home of Undershaw seems a very small way of repaying that gift. On a more selfish level, I'm thrilled to be involved in such a fabulous anthology which brings together the richest cream of Sherlockian writers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1MrMPlE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul D. Gilbert:</a></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun6xWOciIaHOmtP14vk0L_BOaByKAkv2q2lhrys4HMLRVQXUJfqAL0B0a6-dfKYbY6-XUceg0gJXTBElsRpoUBlIahHn-wtHF_PKrBkQe2byoatJ8_p6p_dh1GjTXEhsQTLYKwm9WDbjt/s1600/MX+-+Paul+D.+Gilbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun6xWOciIaHOmtP14vk0L_BOaByKAkv2q2lhrys4HMLRVQXUJfqAL0B0a6-dfKYbY6-XUceg0gJXTBElsRpoUBlIahHn-wtHF_PKrBkQe2byoatJ8_p6p_dh1GjTXEhsQTLYKwm9WDbjt/s200/MX+-+Paul+D.+Gilbert.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My story is based upon ACD's cryptic reference to the 'peculiar persecution of John Vincent Harden' as it has always intrigued me. The setting of 1896 is my favourite period because I prefer the way the relationship between Holmes/Watson/ Lestrade had developed by then.<br />
<br />
ACD is a literary icon and I did not hesitate in contributing once I realised that the scene of some of his greatest achievements was under threat. What a noble cause!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://titanbooks.com/the-further-adventures-of-sherlock-holmes-the-albinos-treasure-7713/">Stuart Douglas:</a></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy79MFldWluege3X6jarKyX6MPOd2_sWXuWrMF5pWXBjVO9d6g8vUXmLSzNGY8yM5xApACzm3PIoHNKbPMDE76ijlL1BtUv-lvxmjoLY2U_ppEv92XbVq67PbwcUSzKOpFg9TXgVY_FT2/s1600/MX+-+Stuart+Douglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy79MFldWluege3X6jarKyX6MPOd2_sWXuWrMF5pWXBjVO9d6g8vUXmLSzNGY8yM5xApACzm3PIoHNKbPMDE76ijlL1BtUv-lvxmjoLY2U_ppEv92XbVq67PbwcUSzKOpFg9TXgVY_FT2/s200/MX+-+Stuart+Douglas.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My story is set in 1896, and concerns a corpse found in a London alleyway in which all identifying marks - down even to the tailor's labels in the man's coat and trousers - have been removed. The Police think he may be a spy, killed for his troubles, and ask Holmes for his opinion ...<br />
<br />
I'd seen mention of the anthology here and there, but never dreamed of appearing amongst such august company, but fortunately editor David Markum liked my recent Holmes' novel - The Albino's Treasure, from Titan Books - and asked if I could come up with something suitable.  Luckily he liked what I sent him, and I'm now terribly honoured to have my story in volume 3!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.lynmcconchie.com/new/">Lyn McConchie:</a>  </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eJU_k4fR4RGln2RSYMhhd_spV1GvDPKhuLsrMbE8IgSLyHXRrV_c_-m_Q3_dvzc1IE0FJAzi_m0H-8izH7xOxukWu9sJS8-Nw-HVv6iGJeThf4i3XzUEOlibrn5LstO8y_PPzkNM9rKu/s1600/MX+-+lyn+mcconchie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eJU_k4fR4RGln2RSYMhhd_spV1GvDPKhuLsrMbE8IgSLyHXRrV_c_-m_Q3_dvzc1IE0FJAzi_m0H-8izH7xOxukWu9sJS8-Nw-HVv6iGJeThf4i3XzUEOlibrn5LstO8y_PPzkNM9rKu/s200/MX+-+lyn+mcconchie.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
Lyn McConchie here, female farmer and author, (small farm, 34 published books to date) cat-lover and New Zealander. Yes, probably the furthest author to be in the anthology. I blame that on the editor. He ran into my book,  <i>Sherlock Holmes: Repeat Business</i>, a collection of new stories (from Wildside in the USA) and came looking for me to contribute. I approved the cause and his request sparked an immediate story idea too, so very soon thereafter A MISTRESS - MISSING was on the way to David - who liked and accepted it.<br />
<br />
The story was suggested to me by a cat combination, my own Ocicat Thunder, who often brings me his mice. And the cat stories of a friend who died several years ago, English writer Doreen Tovey. Add in Holmes and Watson, and all at once I had the whole plot laid out in my head needing only to be written down.<br />
<br />
I like Holmes and Watson and I really enjoy writing their further adventures in the original background and style.  <br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1NfvVpu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phil Growick:</a></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhP2USdwxtRrEAPIw2pnfrO0yql4hHflJyi2IfkuNTZP9feEo9L5bC9mCfqkpBnEinLVFlvuj7aAs9OKl2KuECqAXuuMWuaGHXy-qzXWpxh__VA3PmeYukAjyc2IJpgYqON5pOQxOJS_X/s1600/MX+-+Phil+Growick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhP2USdwxtRrEAPIw2pnfrO0yql4hHflJyi2IfkuNTZP9feEo9L5bC9mCfqkpBnEinLVFlvuj7aAs9OKl2KuECqAXuuMWuaGHXy-qzXWpxh__VA3PmeYukAjyc2IJpgYqON5pOQxOJS_X/s1600/MX+-+Phil+Growick.jpg" /></a></div>
Holmes taunts Watson with word conundrums, while at the same time solving a major robbery. It takes place in their receiving room at 221b about 1883. I chose the time because it was still fairly new in their friendship.<br />
<br />
I wanted to help with Undershaw in the way I knew best. I hope I've succeeded.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seamas-Duffy/e/B00BELMTJY/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Seamus Duffy:</a></b></h3>
In the Adventure of the Coptic Patriarch, Inspector Lestrade has a curious predicament which brings him to Baker Street one Easter Morning in 1898:<br />
<br />
‘It’s a strange one, Mr. Holmes,’ said Lestrade, ‘two definite crimes have been committed, a         robbery and a kidnapping, but in the very oddest of circumstances. Have you seen the newspapers?’<br />
‘Not yet,’ Holmes replied.<br />
‘I don’t suppose either of you gentlemen has ever heard of the Coptics?’<br />
‘In that bureau by the window,’ said Holmes languidly, ‘you will find a letter of thanks from His Holiness Pope Kyrillos, for whom I undertook a small commission last year.’<br />
‘And beside it,’ I added, relishing the spirit of Holmes’s rejoinder, ‘you would also discover my copious notes on the case.’<br />
Lestrade laughed. ‘I might have guessed! What was the affair, then?’<br />
‘With the best will in the world,’ replied Holmes suavely, ‘I am afraid that I cannot possibly breach a client’s confidence – not even to you.’<br />
<br />
Father Philxenous of the London Coptic Patriarchate has been kidnapped – along with him has disappeared the Athanasian Scroll: ‘written in a language directly descended from that which the Pharaohs spoke … an absolutely unique document … which is literally priceless’. The search for the abducted Patriarch and the rare purloined treasure of Egyptian antiquity leads Holmes and Watson to a quiet backwater on the River Thames.<br />
<br />
Why participate in the anthology? To support a very good cause.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.torontobootmakers.com/"><b>Mark Alberstat:</b></a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLSVxFdOuk7FmJ6x6Ltn-xpuFClRo2Ho0naOklC7-CvMh32WkwE8wlIKrjZRCm7eQmNnpCoAtTYPb0qJvGnmyrea5_Jtdy4YMq0MpmfbSm_mOPm1aN7WoQrP8nO3vX4HMgysTz_8-d8p7/s1600/MX+-+Mark+Alberstat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLSVxFdOuk7FmJ6x6Ltn-xpuFClRo2Ho0naOklC7-CvMh32WkwE8wlIKrjZRCm7eQmNnpCoAtTYPb0qJvGnmyrea5_Jtdy4YMq0MpmfbSm_mOPm1aN7WoQrP8nO3vX4HMgysTz_8-d8p7/s320/MX+-+Mark+Alberstat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a short story in the third volume.  My story takes place in England, in Hertfordshire to be exact.  Holmes and Watson are called out there by the local inspector when a local gentry is found dead in his bed.  The story is set in 1898 and that date was set by Conan Doyle as this story is my attempt to put flesh out one of the many stories that were mentioned in passing in one of the other adventures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Although I have written for a variety of magazines, Sherlockian and otherwise, and edit Canadian Holmes, I took on this project as a challenge.  I usually do not write fiction, have not written fiction in a few decades and this was my chance to give it a try again.  The thought of contributing to such a landmark set of books could also not be easily passed up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.gcrosenquist.com/">GC Rosenquist:</a> </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU65eXxetvnMHke5sprHDlH69sqliTsSqpFHSF9euAlHmjQmcdlV_DkmvyQJQKCaFunymZpw-3Ne2I2axzo7Km8xUprf93UHQAg-zd8qp9FW6wb2KsoDYgIot4mw4IozIyUJ8xwUwVTy9y/s1600/MX+-+GCRosenquist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU65eXxetvnMHke5sprHDlH69sqliTsSqpFHSF9euAlHmjQmcdlV_DkmvyQJQKCaFunymZpw-3Ne2I2axzo7Km8xUprf93UHQAg-zd8qp9FW6wb2KsoDYgIot4mw4IozIyUJ8xwUwVTy9y/s1600/MX+-+GCRosenquist.jpg" /></a></div>
I’d been kicking around a story in my head since I finished the final edits of <i>The Pearl of Death</i> last summer. It had to do with a young violin savant who could communicate only through writing and playing music. I’ve always been fascinated with Holmes’ use of the violin and I wanted to write a story where it played a more integral part in the plot, but the story I was thinking up was getting so complicated, I hesitated at even starting it. Mr. Marcum’s invitation to join the anthology changed that. It forced me to rethink the story, simplify it, and soon I had great motivation and desire to complete it.<br />
<br />
Whenever I write a Sherlock Holmes story I try to add something new, push the envelope a little bit, while staying within the strict guidelines of the original canon of stories. It’s a technique that forces me not to repeat myself. The Strange Case of the Violin Savant was no exception. Testing Holmes’ genius against a completely different form of genius excited me and I believe made for an interesting story. I hope the reader agrees and more importantly, I hope the reader receives some modest amount of entertainment from it.<br />
<br />
As far as the specific time the story takes place, I purposely left that vague, allowing Mr. Marcum the leeway to fit it into whichever anthology book he desired.<br />
<br />
I was supremely honored one day in early April, 2015, when I received a message through Facebook from David Marcum, editor of this fantastic anthology, asking if I would be interested in being a part of it. Flattered, I told him I would and promised to send him a story by June of 2015. I knew, because of the worthy cause the anthology supports, that there would be a great deal of interest from other writers (including me) and I couldn't pass up a chance to be included with some of the great Holmes writers of today. I cannot wait to see the final products!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.thebespublishing.com/">Iain McLaughlin and Claire Bartlett:</a>  </b></h3>
We decided on a story that wasn't earth-shattering and wouldn't change the world. It wasn't Holmes and a huge villain. We wanted to do something smaller and perhaps touch on little hints of character with Holmes. There's still a mystery but it's low key. It's largely set in Baker Street and is in the latter half of the 1890s. I'm sure sure why we picked that era. I assumed people would probably go early, and I wanted a time when they could just be sitting in Holmes's rooms so I chose the late 1890s. It tweaked Holmes a little because I think he changes as he ages, but this felt like the right time for this story.<br />
<br />
I got a message out of the blue from David Marcum explaining the book. I knew a number of the people contributing and we felt we'd be letting the Imagination Theater side down if we didn't contribute. Besides, the cause is a good one and there were a lot of interesting people in there. It was a very busy time. I was finishing a book, writing a James Bond short story and launching a publishing company, for which Claire was working on a book with a tight deadline, so we struggled to squeeze this in but we're glad we did. It's something we're very proud to be involved with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://youngsherlock.com/">Andrew Lane:</a></b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXXybGHxrY-OwF5mwQ86veNFvQFBQ9qvHegkVcKPdDlkjeU-TmU8zqUGP76ce9zmNylixUl25dDg7hD1QHimSjCtMIq_IQH9-_QTy6gBUkUj_CJ9Y-RV6ZUfgptlCq9RgQHd6dlHQt-UB/s1600/MX+-+Andrew+Lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXXybGHxrY-OwF5mwQ86veNFvQFBQ9qvHegkVcKPdDlkjeU-TmU8zqUGP76ce9zmNylixUl25dDg7hD1QHimSjCtMIq_IQH9-_QTy6gBUkUj_CJ9Y-RV6ZUfgptlCq9RgQHd6dlHQt-UB/s320/MX+-+Andrew+Lane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was one of the last contributors to deliver their story (I always leave things until the last minute), so I asked the editor which periods of time were under-represented. I think there's a kind-of automatic preset in people's minds that puts Sherlock Holmes and the period around 1887 together, and I had a suspicion that a lot of stories would be set around there, so I definitely wanted to avoid it.<br />
<br />
The 'Mr Holmes' film was just about to come out, as well, and I had another suspicion that several people might want to write about Holmes's retirement years. I was fortunate in that the period around 1901 was under-represented, which meant I could also tie the story in with the death of Queen Victoria - something that must have been a traumatic moment for Watson (probably less so for Holmes) and was a changing point in British History. Everything seemed to come together, and I found that writing about Holmes and Watson in middle-age was very satisfying. As usual, I wanted to have a crime whose solution was not obvious - or, at least, not obvious if you don't believe that the immediate suspect is the culprit. Looking at my rather extensive collection of research books, I remembered that I'd wanted for a long time to write a Sherlock Holmes story touching on the Victorian interest in complicated clockwork mechanisms and the recreation of "life" in mechanical form (the Mechanical Turk chess player being a perfect example), so that informed the story as well. All in all, everything came together neatly, and I even managed to slip in a reference back to one of my own 'Young Sherlock Holmes' novels, so I was happy. Fortunately, so was the editor.<br />
<br />
It's always fun to write a Sherlock Holmes story in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, and so I always grab an opportunity when one comes along. I also want, in the fullness of time, to be able to put together an Ebook collection of my various Sherlock Holmes short stories (five so far, and still going) under the title 'The Bizarre Investigations of Sherlock Holmes', and so it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.mxpublishing.co.uk/brand/Peter+K.+Andersson">Peter K. Andersson</a>:</b>  </h3>
My story has a somewhat unusual shape for a Sherlock Holmes story, but it came to me one day when I had been visiting Conan Doyle's grave in Minstead, and I was walking around the beautiful English countryside much like Watson is doing in the story. I was inspired by the many quaint old cottages that lie scattered around the landscape, some of which are quite remote and would have been even more remote in the Victorian period. Such remoteness is certainly thought-provoking when one is about to write a Sherlock Holmes story...<br />
<br />
I think that all attempts at preserving and promoting remains of the past are becoming increasingly important in our age. I am reminded of this whenever the media presents a picture of the past that is prejudiced due to a lack of historical knowledge. We speak today so much of tolerance towards people from different cultures, and yet we treat the people of the past with the same intolerance that an immigrant would have been treated seventy years ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.rifftrax.com/riffer/matthew-j-elliott">Matthew J. Elliott: </a>  </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZQ9UdZmXUb001MyJtLOIoPqwbv2_hb77h1gVirI17ZPDIEskzHA4Gme5-WkIAyXGre9qvh7j5ip5khlR789c0d6XMrWtU9ld8asCdyx0JsIdCj-lTYsrLjZyokq7JURDW3l49oDoI3CI/s1600/MX+-+Matthew+J+Elliott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZQ9UdZmXUb001MyJtLOIoPqwbv2_hb77h1gVirI17ZPDIEskzHA4Gme5-WkIAyXGre9qvh7j5ip5khlR789c0d6XMrWtU9ld8asCdyx0JsIdCj-lTYsrLjZyokq7JURDW3l49oDoI3CI/s200/MX+-+Matthew+J+Elliott.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My story is The Adventure of the Reluctant Corpse. It's set at a Christmas party shortly after Dr Watson's second marriage and concerns a man who dies three times. I'm keen to feature the second Mrs Watson, because I have a pretty clear idea of who she really was, and it'll be interesting to see if readers guess who I'm hinting at.<br />
<br />
Appearing in the collection means that I'm in ridiculously good company! These are some of the biggest names in the Sherlockian world, and some of the biggest talents in the writing world in general. Maybe some of that talent will rub off on me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://jimfrenchproductions.com/zc137m/">Jim French:</a> </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09FMwVrQHAaRarFNz5rUyeeoQrp0UussBM9uHrNZpnUJCljBkbqckrhXQVLUbfEk7jlOmVUuPwm2C2YL15RZpdrZR5feaYoN5BJHBqQYj4tdUufXjchI5zF0OjltzVcVbgR5fg16krfuP/s1600/MX+-+Jim+French.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09FMwVrQHAaRarFNz5rUyeeoQrp0UussBM9uHrNZpnUJCljBkbqckrhXQVLUbfEk7jlOmVUuPwm2C2YL15RZpdrZR5feaYoN5BJHBqQYj4tdUufXjchI5zF0OjltzVcVbgR5fg16krfuP/s1600/MX+-+Jim+French.gif" /></a></div>
Are there problems the solutions of which are better left unsolved?  This is a question that confronts Holmes and Watson during their investigation of a case that leads to opening a grave and scaring an elderly mother half to death.<br />
<br />
Why participate in the anthology? This is difficult to answer. I suppose it's partly vanity, a desire to reach a broader audience and I think partly the honor of being asked to contribute satisfies a bit longing that's existed since we began back in 1998; to taken seriously the devotees of the adventures of The Great Detective.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1Nfw3Fm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Symonds:</a>  </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCSDRm89rgigb0EzNEeOAGJlEtVVwE8T8JBBbQwsb7U0P3h4QcR9kvdFPM_q4tKbJ3TY6KJCqR_jyzNkeIDPpEOZmcES1dyQ1je79n3wjLifI2pw91GFdEbrCiNlhes4myPhDc_ii-lHS/s1600/MX+-+Tim+Symonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCSDRm89rgigb0EzNEeOAGJlEtVVwE8T8JBBbQwsb7U0P3h4QcR9kvdFPM_q4tKbJ3TY6KJCqR_jyzNkeIDPpEOZmcES1dyQ1je79n3wjLifI2pw91GFdEbrCiNlhes4myPhDc_ii-lHS/s320/MX+-+Tim+Symonds.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
I have contributed a short story titled "A Most Diabolical Plot."  It takes place in the Spring of 1903 and opens as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>Not til the day the bugle blows for me shall I forget the most diabolical attempt ever made on my friend Sherlock Holmes’s life. I was seated in the airy living-room of the lodgings we shared on the second floor of 221, Baker Street. Our landlady, Mrs Hudson, came in with my breakfast together with the morning edition of the Westminster Gazette. The newspaper contained a summary of the year’s significant events so far – on February 3rd a British expedition captured the mud-walled city of Kano, in Northern Nigeria. Under Pelham Warner’s captaincy the first cricket tour of Australia was in its final planning stages. I was about to turn my attention to the plate of kidneys, kedgeree and ham when my eye was caught by a short article on an inside page titled ‘Mystery Disappearance of Society Murderer’.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>‘Nothing has been seen of Colonel Sebastian Moran, formerly 1st Bangalore Pioneers and well-known at London’s card-playing clubs, since his unpublicised release from Newgate last year when the gaol was closed for demolition. The Colonel served only half of a twenty-year sentence for the willful murder of his gambling partner, the Honourable Ronald Adair, second son of the Earl of Maynooth. Moran fell into a trap laid by Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard a decade ago when the former attempted to assassinate the famous Consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes, employing an ingenious air-gun designed to shoot bullets instead of small lead pellets. To gain early release Colonel Moran vowed to turn his considerable talents to good causes.’</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>I lowered the newspaper and stared unseeing at the wall.</i><br />
<br />
Unknown to Watson, the fearsome Colonel Moran, still seething over the death at Holmes's hands of Moran's Criminal Master Moriarty, has come up with a deadly game involving the terrible Africanised bee to wreak revenge on Holmes.<br />
<br />
I was very keen to contribute to the Anthology which may well become one of the best-sellers of this new 'Sherlockian' era and provide Undershaw with the funds it needs to remain a monument to the master story-teller who designed and built it over a Century ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="https://almostholmes.wordpress.com/author/almostholmes/">Bob Byrne:</a> </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46w3mEbVlbWaROj5JDdPvEzQCH71EVTyui0GZaG_iwUFrwBnspfevV726HJVlI-VKK56AUhBCmKUwodmp7e4aDLUieXm41Bi9jlKUBf7qvX6eDzTPLx2tzcgc-f-JN2OmssuWn7FutYfj/s1600/MX+-+Bob+Byrne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46w3mEbVlbWaROj5JDdPvEzQCH71EVTyui0GZaG_iwUFrwBnspfevV726HJVlI-VKK56AUhBCmKUwodmp7e4aDLUieXm41Bi9jlKUBf7qvX6eDzTPLx2tzcgc-f-JN2OmssuWn7FutYfj/s200/MX+-+Bob+Byrne.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
It's well-known that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle spent a great deal of time and effort fighting for justice on behalf of the wrongly convicted George Edalji. It was even recently a BBC miniseries. I'm a great Solar Pons fan and have researched the Edalji affair for a future Pons story: even writing about it in my The Public Life of Sherlock Holmes column over at <a href="http://www.blackgate.com/">Blackgate</a>.<br />
<br />
For David's project, I thought I could try a story in which Holmes investigates the Edalji affair at the time it happened. So, 'The Adventure of the Parson's Son' is about Holmes and Edalji, as opposed to Doyle and young George. Of course, I had to work around the fact that the ending was rather predetermined.<br />
<br />
Since Edalji was arrested in 1903, that was an automatic choice for the year of the story.<br />
<br />
David Marcum and I send each other long, rambling emails throughout the week; they're more akin to novellas than short stories! He emailed me one early afternoon, saying he'd had a dream and had already sent an email off that morning to Steve Emecz, his publisher, proposing a collection of traditional Holmes stories. I still have his email, in which he wrote, "I plan on asking a small and select group of authors to participate."<br />
<br />
As we all know, his idea caught fire and more and more authors agreed to be a part of the project. I write mostly non-fiction these days but hit upon the idea of sort of a Holmes prequel to a Pons story, with Doyle as the bridge between the two detectives. Fortunately, since the project went to three volumes, I didn't get cut for space!<br />
<br />
I'm really impressed how David recruited so many authors, growing the anthology from his original idea and I'm happy to be included with so many folks whose books adorn my Sherlockian shelves!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.jameslovegrove.com/">James Lovegrove</a>:  </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfuBhxKx660c9Ya9sNbbRjzrX4U7hSsWLEq9VLZBb264RQP-GG_Vpzq_spwS6Pj9nVpJxGI76M6QiNbrCzBlVQstXJoMMCf5g5uHJoEOyyIS-MvbmxR5R1F0IopnhZ71SsjQE-pz6AgYr/s1600/MX+-+james-lovegrove-portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfuBhxKx660c9Ya9sNbbRjzrX4U7hSsWLEq9VLZBb264RQP-GG_Vpzq_spwS6Pj9nVpJxGI76M6QiNbrCzBlVQstXJoMMCf5g5uHJoEOyyIS-MvbmxR5R1F0IopnhZ71SsjQE-pz6AgYr/s1600/MX+-+james-lovegrove-portrait.jpg" /></a></div>
"The Botanist's Glove" is set in both London and, predominantly, my home county of Sussex.  It's my first attempt at a locked room mystery, or rather a locked conservatory mystery, and I'm pretty pleased with the result.  I went for the year 1903 for a very specific reason relating to a particular plot detail involving epinephrine.  The drug wasn't synthesised and available for use as a counteragent for anaphylactic shock until just after the turn of the last century, which meant the story couldn't legitimately take place any earlier than that year.  I'm fond, also, of Holmes tales from the twilight of his career, when he is winding his consultancy down and considering retirement.  The canonical stories from that era are usually weirder and wilder than average.<br />
<br />
Why contribute to the anthology? I was asked to, it seemed a worthy cause, I couldn't see a reason why not to.  It seems remarkable to me that Rudyard Kipling's house, Bateman's, is owned and protected by the National Trust, but not Undershaw, whose owner has left a legacy of writing which is equal to, and I would say greater than, Kipling's in terms of renown, longevity and stature.  And by "remarkable" I mean "absurd".  And by "absurd" I mean "wrong".  I hope the anthology will go some way to remedying that.<br />
<br />
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<div>
<h3>
<a href="http://www.larrymillett.com/"><b>Larry Millett:</b></a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFvHRyEshE_KeHpeBWWSw8yIwaru3910TIKZRemmPDjKUOymk0W1Wq_5JGmtV4Qg5qqKNPSlG-y2L3DG5CqN9HcLOy6k1S1-Z6Lcf2qzM5wsiJyZDI4numNN9VT_HMkLKENXqACXXKvDS/s1600/MX+-+Larry+Millett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFvHRyEshE_KeHpeBWWSw8yIwaru3910TIKZRemmPDjKUOymk0W1Wq_5JGmtV4Qg5qqKNPSlG-y2L3DG5CqN9HcLOy6k1S1-Z6Lcf2qzM5wsiJyZDI4numNN9VT_HMkLKENXqACXXKvDS/s200/MX+-+Larry+Millett.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
My story, "The Opera Thief," is set in St. Paul in 1904. Holmes and Watson are in Minnesota because Watson is undergoing surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. After events detailed in my latest novel, Strongwood, Holmes is called on to investigate the theft of a beloved prop from a touring company performing Mozart's Magic Flute in St. Paul. The story is about loss and wonder, and it ends on a deeply personal note for Holmes.<br />
<br />
I decided to add my small voice to the anthology because I liked the idea of contributing something concrete to the memory of the man who made it possible for all of us to take part in the never-ending story of Sherlock Holmes.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1TBd5c4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kim Krisco:</a> </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCy5HY2zNiVK_2tHwBQaMkTd_GWvjx2P971XxH1nA8Z4kXspK9M7serFF0AC2JjrUcETtr3Y-pAt-gfJ9j9Mow3lhcMJhcHO-kdSDB4HiAK975y91KQIYZI48E8-4EjVj9Y3dTvzv7agE/s1600/MX+-+Kim+Krisco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCy5HY2zNiVK_2tHwBQaMkTd_GWvjx2P971XxH1nA8Z4kXspK9M7serFF0AC2JjrUcETtr3Y-pAt-gfJ9j9Mow3lhcMJhcHO-kdSDB4HiAK975y91KQIYZI48E8-4EjVj9Y3dTvzv7agE/s1600/MX+-+Kim+Krisco.jpg" /></a></div>
"Blood Brothers" takes place in 1913, after Holmes is supposedly retired. Of course, we know this is not possible, as was made clear in Sherlock Holmes – The Golden Years, with its five new “post-retirement” stories.<br />
<br />
This story takes place in London in 1913 -- an interesting time because London was then the largest city in Europe, with a population of more than 6 million. The city was struggling to accommodate the poorer neighborhoods and slums, where the irregulars were born – which brings me to the story itself.<br />
<br />
"Blood Brothers," as the title implies, is about brothers — two very wealthy, and two very poor. The poor brothers are members of the tribe of street urchins Holmes calls the irregulars. These brothers, who have helped Holmes solve mysteries, now desperately need his help. One of the brothers disappear, which is strange, as all the irregulars are street-wise survivors. Holmes lends his eye, wits and heart in an effort to find the 12-year old irregular Benjie. In so doing, the reader is introduced to a cast of characters who draw a stark line between the rich and poor who live in, then, the “greatest city in Europe.” And, while this story takes place over a century ago, the social and moral issues wrapped around this story are still playing out today throughout the world.<br />
<br />
"Blood Brothers" is narrated in two voices, and will be found in Volume III of the new anthology. It sets the stage for my next Sherlock Holmes book wherein the irregulars play a dominant role.<br />
<br />
I can say, that there wasn’t a moment of hesitation when David invited me to write and send an original story. Of course, I resonate with the cause itself — to preserve Undershaw. Doyle is one of the world’s greatest story tellers and he should be honored as such. I would quickly add, however, that I was immediately struck with David’s selfless commitment to his project. I cannot resist highly committed people who take on a huge challenge. It is such people who change the world. David Marcum and Steve Emecz will be putting the eyes of every Sherlock Holmes fan in the world on this anthology. My deerstalker hat is off to them, you, and the other 60 authors whose work is contained in what I believe is the largest collection of new Sherlock Holmes stories in the world.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.mysteryaircraft.com/about-the-authors.html">C. Edward Davis: </a> </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdNwsJl3fGZ-3Juaj2DwIerKFiK6ihU5kMkJcYlB8bByO9Nf6gNhulKPybufEtlSXMYo5cy3v6q98Y-KqZZE6oyBOoufZVEud6UGs8Y5sFzGCKPU_o4bq_FR87QUQTPwvxIBZ958aXMa2/s1600/MX+-+C+Edward+Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdNwsJl3fGZ-3Juaj2DwIerKFiK6ihU5kMkJcYlB8bByO9Nf6gNhulKPybufEtlSXMYo5cy3v6q98Y-KqZZE6oyBOoufZVEud6UGs8Y5sFzGCKPU_o4bq_FR87QUQTPwvxIBZ958aXMa2/s320/MX+-+C+Edward+Davis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My story, "The Adventure of the White Bird," is about the mysterious disappearance of two French aviators during their attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean and claim the $25,000 Ortieg Prize. Had they succeeded, they would have been the first aviators to cross the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean from Paris to New York City. They disappeared not long after overflying Newfoundland. In New York, relatives and financial backers of the lost aviators, suspecting foul play, approach Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, who are visiting New York on other matters, to investigate their suspicions and bring the culprits to justice.<br />
<br />
The story takes place mainly in the northeast United States and eastern Canada, from New York City to Newfoundland. Holmes and Watson, then in their seventies but still healthy and vibrant, meet some interesting characters and confront some dangerous ones. They enjoy the comforts of New York and experience the wilds of Maine, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, and attempt to solve one of aviation's most enduring mysteries.<br />
<br />
"The Adventure of the White Bird" spans a period of roughly five months, from early May to September 1927. The disappearance of Charles Nungesser, a World War One flying ace and member of the famous American-French squadron Escadrille Lafayette and his flying partner Francois Coli occurred on May 8th, 1927, twelve days before Charles Lindbergh successfully made his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, from New York to Paris, on May 20th. This mystery has always been of particular interest to me because no trace of the men were ever found. In 1927, aviation was still in its relative infancy and to cross the Atlantic in an open-cockpit biplane, made of wood and fabric, with no navigational aids or radios, was a daunting and monumental endeavor. I wanted to give voice to my own speculations on the mystery and what better way to "solve" it than through Sherlock Holmes!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the reality is that the disappearance of two courageous aviators will never be solved. Nungesser and Coli's success would have radically changed the course of aviation and resulted in a very different world, one where the United States remained as a secondary player in aviation and space development.<br />
<br />
I had recently retired from an unfulfilling 40-year career as a draftsman and technical illustrator and finally embarked on a life-long dream to become an author. Derrick Belanger and I collaborated on our Mystery Aircraft website and blog and discussed other writing projects, when he informed me that there were relatively few Sherlock Holmes stories that took place between 1900 and 1950 (Holmes approximately death). Those years covered the time of aviation history I find to be irresistibly fascinating, particularly the years leading up to World War Two. He suggested that I write a story that combined my new interest in Sherlock Holmes and my fascination with aviation mysteries. The FIRST idea I had was Sherlock Holmes and Nungesser and Coli’s disappearance. A perfect match for my “debut” story. This concept was a perfect challenge to my aspirations to write.<br />
And now I am among the dozens of experienced and talented authors included in the next Guinness Book of World’s Records! Not too shabby for my first published work of fiction!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.com/featur1.htm">Joel and Carolyn Senter:</a> </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIV81PcJJQaag0M64k5eabI06U05gpbaCPJOBirk6AK3IEJ14DAlnJqML7LcivR8oqdrTn2q2712mN6nxQzUt9lWsFKs8EAhBs2wpXHUGwjuNirctCf527ww3cu6mVEUNKZNjqpkWbz0h/s1600/MX+-+Joel+%2526+Carolyn+Senter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIV81PcJJQaag0M64k5eabI06U05gpbaCPJOBirk6AK3IEJ14DAlnJqML7LcivR8oqdrTn2q2712mN6nxQzUt9lWsFKs8EAhBs2wpXHUGwjuNirctCf527ww3cu6mVEUNKZNjqpkWbz0h/s1600/MX+-+Joel+%2526+Carolyn+Senter.jpg" /></a></div>
The Pair get together, back at 221B,  for Holmes’s 70th birthday and encounter a "con game" that threatens their "client" as well as a number of other trusting, yet gullible, ordinary citizens.  The perpetrator of the con character is based on a real person who was, actually,  an international con man.   This con man was known to have been operating on the Continent and in England, during the late 1920s, hence the choice for the story’s temporal setting in 1929.  David told us that our story would probably be the last one in the Anthology. <br />
<br />
Dave Marcum is an old friend.  We encouraged him to pursue his literary goals early on when he was reluctant to do so, and that has turned out well for him now.  He asked us to contribute. It was also tempting to have our work included in a volume along with such noted and famous Sherlockian authors.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.macbird.com/">Bonnie MacBird:</a>  </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5smZSyVb8RIX_S6O17pwAuclHZp6wKbXZqxUtnS1a5AHuR8gTs2cZV325nFOIGpTNU6JCph2RBb6QnhnrV3CcCtQaxXYq556suex0LjrIlggSrA595uL_sRLmUgFZGQkw9z4A-y-uQUxr/s1600/MX+-+Bonnie+MacBird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5smZSyVb8RIX_S6O17pwAuclHZp6wKbXZqxUtnS1a5AHuR8gTs2cZV325nFOIGpTNU6JCph2RBb6QnhnrV3CcCtQaxXYq556suex0LjrIlggSrA595uL_sRLmUgFZGQkw9z4A-y-uQUxr/s200/MX+-+Bonnie+MacBird.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
My two poems are in classical sonnet form (the Shakespearean kind) and I wrote them because Sherlock Holmes and what he stands for have tremendous emotional resonance for me.  Poems are a way to express something deeply felt and intimate in a very concentrated way.  And I love working to classical form.  Emulating Conan Doyle is another way of writing to form, and I enjoy the intellectual challenge of placing both thoughts and emotions into strictly defined structures - which both mysteries, and poems are.<br />
<br />
Why contribute? Because I hope to see Undershaw restored, and because I particularly like David Marcum and Steve Emecz.  It's an honor to be part of this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
That concludes this final spotlight article from the authors in the  <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229605719/the-worlds-largest-new-sherlock-holmes-story-colle"><i>The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories</i></a>.  Don't forget, the Kickstarter campaign will be active until Sunday, August 16th. There's still plenty of time to pledge and get your copy of all three volumes before they are available to the public.</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><b>If you would like to be entered to win a copy of the three-volume anthology, here's how you can qualify:</b><br /><ol>
<li>You must be <a href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub&publisher=445106&sitescope=45933">subscribed to our email updates</a>; AND</li>
<li>You leave us a comment below describing why you're excited about this new anthology.</li>
</ol>
<br />One winner will be selected at random from all entries. Drawing will take place on Wednesday, August 19, 2015.<br /><br />--<br />
<br /></div>
</div>

Authors Reflect on Part 3 of the World's Largest Sherlock Holmes Collection

"I felt some reflection of his elation" [BRUC] The Kickstarter campaign for the world's largest Sherlock Holmes colle...

+ Read more »

by Belanger Books

Remembering John Farrell, BSI

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"he must certainly have been a giant" [WIST]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuBTZfXq6ISXLFv13GO024EVCxCzZ1In76duPMDsbVz3sln_9Kwh4gG15F15baA8qakm1lk5jwElF1OpNDwpBkEEsG8kMlk-uVat83QLDYO6S8ufF4j41XZe2cHGfT66Py6SAm9p-kE4C/s1600/img001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuBTZfXq6ISXLFv13GO024EVCxCzZ1In76duPMDsbVz3sln_9Kwh4gG15F15baA8qakm1lk5jwElF1OpNDwpBkEEsG8kMlk-uVat83QLDYO6S8ufF4j41XZe2cHGfT66Py6SAm9p-kE4C/s640/img001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
John Farrell, BSI ("The Tiger of San Pedro") <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150508/john-farrell-1951-2015-longtime-southern-california-arts-critic-dies-at-63/" target="_blank">passed away in May at the age of 63</a>. John was a beloved member of the Baker Street Irregulars and a well respected theater critic in California. We have a number of reminiscences about John from those who knew him.<br />
<br />
<h3>
From Sean Wright, BSI ("The Manor House Case"), longtime Sherlockian colleague and John's co-author</h3>
[Upon receiving the news of John's death]: I was positive you were mistaken. I even called John's cell phone and left a message on his voice mail telling him that some preposterous story about his demise was on Facebook.<br />
<br />
John was a gifted writer and I don't use that superlative lightly. He had a highly developed sense of language and an immense fund of knowledge. He was generous with his friends and helpful whenever necessary. He was the best man at my wedding and I owe my eyesight to him when I developed cataracts in 2007. Between jobs and without insurance, John, without asking, searched out the proper program and pestered me until I signed up, thus allowing me to find a doctor and be able see again. He was a friend in the truest sense of the word.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_4JMwwKikEthjs5Lqb4kVWAhTEwn7puAlX-7U5DRPArZOooH-swDlyg9O3f5ENdEVCu1R4PN0Ah_LmCqXKS8cjLPCBejIiq9J_5chYZT6O-KTvMyGwid5UgubYz2mtfJf50A7ygxWI5d/s1600/img002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_4JMwwKikEthjs5Lqb4kVWAhTEwn7puAlX-7U5DRPArZOooH-swDlyg9O3f5ENdEVCu1R4PN0Ah_LmCqXKS8cjLPCBejIiq9J_5chYZT6O-KTvMyGwid5UgubYz2mtfJf50A7ygxWI5d/s640/img002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Bisio, BSI ("Shinwell Johnson"), Sean Wright and John Farrell at the John Bennett Shaw Symposium in 1981</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A native of San Pedro, California, born September 19, 1951, John began an informal scion society in the late 1960s, "The Tigers of San Pedro," whose members all had to be from San Pedro. The scion reflected John's quirky sense of humor. It was notable for refusing to have meetings. Since I lived in Hollywood I was not allowed to be a regular Tiger. I was, however, granted honorary status - which meant that I was never to be invited to any of the meetings the scion never held. [<b><i>Ed. note</i></b>: the top image shows John dressed as Don Juan Murillo, the Tiger of San Pedro, at the first Gasfitters Ball held by the Non-Canonical Calabashes in November, 1978.]<br />
<br />
John was 6' 2"and quite massive for most of his adult life. With his long brown hair and beard he was hard to miss. He enjoyed wearing a frockcoat in his role as drama critic. In his later years, he constantly wore a cut down top hat and he was never seen without a blackthorn walking stick. He had several, purchased during his journeys to Ireland and England. John had many Sherlockian friends overseas, perhaps most notably Thierry Saint-Joanis of the Sherlock Holmes Society of France.<br />
<br />
John was not only proud to be an investitured member of the BSI - he received his investiture "The Tiger of San Pedro" in 1981 - and he enjoyed telling about how he was invested three times in the Praed Street Irregulars, the Solar Pons Society, due to the absent-mindedness of its founder, the late Luther Norris, BSI ("Monsieur Oscar Meunier of Grenoble") in his position as Lord Warden of the Pontine Marshes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdnBaYnRsHV8Kj_3ldK2G1NXsXZZol9pL972Kb2yJ5DqoeU7_UdVrH8kDhF5eKyY51Wfo0dCt2hQ2bm8jObu4Jq4Mn6xUe3Q0cp_HATMumq-M-m2VswmfYGlnSep128vx3HJ7_yRcvIB8/s1600/img001+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdnBaYnRsHV8Kj_3ldK2G1NXsXZZol9pL972Kb2yJ5DqoeU7_UdVrH8kDhF5eKyY51Wfo0dCt2hQ2bm8jObu4Jq4Mn6xUe3Q0cp_HATMumq-M-m2VswmfYGlnSep128vx3HJ7_yRcvIB8/s640/img001+%25282%2529.jpg" width="453" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John with Jane Rundall at a meeting of the Non-Canonical Calabashes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
John was one of the foremost Sherlockian scholars in Southern California, writing monographs for several Sherlockian periodicals as well as for the BSJ. Many local scions were pleased to welcome him into membership and his presence brightened many a meeting. Be sure to ask Jim about all the Sherlockian periodicals for which John acted as editor, among which, for a year, was <i>The Sherlockian Meddler</i> for the Non-Canonical Calabashes of Los Angeles.<br />
<br />
Some 30 years ago, when Basil Rathbone's library was being sold, John purchased it all, and donated most of it to Boston University's Special Collections department - now the <a href="http://hgar-srv3.bu.edu/" target="_blank">Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center</a>.<br />
<br />
John wrote, produced, directed and appeared in several movies with his friends spoofing various film genres: Both Shakespeare and mysteries with <i>The Danemark Curse,</i> musicals with <i>John Farrell's Watermusic</i>, Bible epics with <i>The Bible - Condensed</i> and westerns with <i>Ghost Rustlers</i> - in which John, with memorable hilarity, appeared as "Utah Slim."<br />
<br />
St. Patrick's Day was the highlight of John's calendar. For over 40 years his annual Long Beach/Seal Beach St. Patrick's pub crawl was a must, less for drinking than for collecting "swag" - pins, necklaces, t-shirts etc. - offered by breweries that day, the best distributed by Guinness Girls travelling through the area. An array of these pins festooned his soft tweed hat, jacket and vest.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, most gratifyingly for us, a Long Beach restaurant even changed its name to "Moriarty's" just for the day and passed out t-shirts with the name on it to commemorate the event. John was in heaven.<br />
<br />
John was a font of operatic and music hall lore. His knowledge of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas was profound. His rendition of an old routine: "But I Didn't Want My Cigar to Go Out" was priceless. Our version of "A Policeman's Lot," which we performed at a BSI cocktail party in 1990, is still well remembered by those who saw it.<br />
<br />
Years ago John told me that, of all newspapermen, he most admired Bat Masterson, the former gunslinger turned sportswriter, but only for the manner of his demise. He died, John was fond of saying, exactly as a journalist should die: his body found in his office, slumped over his desk, after finishing his last article.<br />
<br />
John ended his life the same way, dying of a sudden heart attack at his computer while writing one of his reviews.<br />
<div>
<br />
I took this picture of John the week before he died for a new column that was going to run in <i>The Tidings</i>, the Los Angeles archdiocese Catholic newspaper. He was to be the arts critic. Then John took this one of me for my column in the paper.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XcVXo2DzwB1QW64f8vdBzUewzoE6yS4kinYYfwv63cXD3Ua8WvVNinBmHKRyxbEkIhQJ_drVlWUgilKXInkhyhad_l1SyB9KNawZve4RIgECbLqWMAELIfrGmO8Lb_9OkFTlh_ikdNpg/s1600/John+Farrell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XcVXo2DzwB1QW64f8vdBzUewzoE6yS4kinYYfwv63cXD3Ua8WvVNinBmHKRyxbEkIhQJ_drVlWUgilKXInkhyhad_l1SyB9KNawZve4RIgECbLqWMAELIfrGmO8Lb_9OkFTlh_ikdNpg/s320/John+Farrell.jpg" width="240" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMgTqUVHniumqaXe2fCGP3fiFXyb1xH_gvkbEPYo9rsmYdRfBq4lmLsd0XejtpUVa2GLpZhMS3EGiY092H0bMaBmDWTOsmoW1ruVabMmaYd5Qn2teexGGG_-7IYCSPBgzhN9eSBFkNY4h/s1600/Sean+Wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMgTqUVHniumqaXe2fCGP3fiFXyb1xH_gvkbEPYo9rsmYdRfBq4lmLsd0XejtpUVa2GLpZhMS3EGiY092H0bMaBmDWTOsmoW1ruVabMmaYd5Qn2teexGGG_-7IYCSPBgzhN9eSBFkNY4h/s320/Sean+Wright.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
[<b><i>Editor's note</i></b>: Sean co-authored <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2YPfEAA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sherlock Holmes Cookbook</a></i> with John in 1976.]<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
From Charlie Power, John's oldest friend, who knew him since the 6th grade</h3>
A mid-year move landed me in a new school in 1964 (6th grade), and I was assigned to share a desk with John Farrell. This resulted in my joining the Lightship crew. John started "The Lightship" as a mimeographed vehicle for his writings and those of the crew, so this is where he started his career as a journalist. After working on the paper, we would retire to the open alley by John's house for our own form of soccer.<br />
<br />
John was a great collector of books (particularly mysteries), walking sticks, hats and other things, most of which he had to put into storage because he ran out of room. I got him in the habit of reading electronic books, but he always preferred the old dead tree type.<br />
<br />
As a freelance journalist specializing in cultural criticism, John was not wealthy, but was often the only critic to cover the amazingly active and avant-garde world of theatre and opera in the Los Angeles area, particularly Long Beach and San Pedro. I know he will be missed; he is unlikely to be replaced.<br />
<br />
[<b><i>Editor's note</i></b>: this was taken from the comments section of <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150508/john-farrell-1951-2015-longtime-southern-california-arts-critic-dies-at-63/1" target="_blank">John's obituary in <i>The Los Angeles Daily News</i></a>.]<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
From Thierry St. Joanis, BSI ("Monsieur Bertillon") of the Sherlock Holmes Society of France</h3>
John Farrell was my friend since 1993. I met him in Paris in May, on the occasion of the first annual meeting of the Sherlock Holmes Society of France, in the "salons" of a palace (Place de l'Opéra). Under the monumental crystal chandeliers of a Napoleon III ballroom, with walls covered by mirrors, I saw a giant explorer appear. John had just passed through the city, dressed as a Professor Challenger's companion. I immediately felt that I would love this guy.<br />
<div>
<br />
I knew John by reputation. Since his trip to the United States to participate at the BSI Annual Dinner, our mutual friend Jean-Pierre Cagnat told me about that "Tiger of San Pedro," a kind of Californian Yeti, a giant who came down from the sky along a beanstalk, who made his living as a theater, opera and classical music critic for the Los Angeles News Group, probably attracted on the West Coast by the sound of a magic harp.<br />
<br />
For a thirty year-old French guy like me, this "Tiger" was America of my dreams and he made my dreams a reality.<br />
<br />
John was an official representative of the BSI at the inaugural session of our club, in the auditorium of the Museum of Natural History in Paris, amid dinosaur skeletons. John "Challenger" was my Sherlockian godfather, one of the 3 Magi came from the ends of the earth with arms full of gifts.<br />
<br />
He thus inaugurated my Holmesian collection with objects that now call  the "Sherlockonneries" - objects of little use, sometimes very cumbersome, but also valuable - such as a ring marked with the seal of the Master. John brought all this bric-a-brac in his carry-on luggage:<br />
<ul>
<li>a decorated doormat showing a "Sherlock" dog as wide as the carpet of a large living room</li>
<li>an edition of a rubber Hound of the Baskervilles to decorate a dog house</li>
<li>red silk short pants, illustrated with Mickey Mouse dressed as Sherlock Holmes - which has since become the meeting Uniform for our own Sherlockian scion society we have created, "The Red Panties-League"</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JAliPjJBjuC7XQuM-DRCLTFni2087Wy8RbZWNifWQpVYUnS70NIifSfO7HSztlYBXtOTPc-1STMHcYIakjI6fmA9JSimu_R_USCWKxilkwlgFqR9P2lA8U_SGLAIBb26xvhSfmG2qxjg/s1600/Nielsen+-+Farrell+-+St.+Joanis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JAliPjJBjuC7XQuM-DRCLTFni2087Wy8RbZWNifWQpVYUnS70NIifSfO7HSztlYBXtOTPc-1STMHcYIakjI6fmA9JSimu_R_USCWKxilkwlgFqR9P2lA8U_SGLAIBb26xvhSfmG2qxjg/s640/Nielsen+-+Farrell+-+St.+Joanis.jpg" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inaugural members of the Red Panties League Bjarne Nielsen, BSI ("The Veiled Lodger"), John Farrell and Thierry St. Joanis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
John was generous and gave everything he had, even if he did not have much. When he came to see me in Paris, he stayed with me in my living room reconstitution of Baker Street. I lived on the 5th floor ... no elevator! We had almost an hour to climb the stairs. That gave us time to talk like concierges. Once at the top of my Everest, the base camp was tailored to fit the morphology of the Tiger (a king-size mattress on the floor). For him, it must have seemed that I lived in a hobbit hole where everything was too small, too low, too narrow. In the morning, John could not stand without help, so I reached out to lift him from the ground, and when he was on his feet, he could touch nothing except the stars. I understood why his shoes were never laced ...<br />
<br />
For a superman like John, daily life was not easy, but I've never heard him complain. He had the elegance of a gentleman, the hero of my books, and he knew how to put me in a position of comfort making my life always nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKj_lHqQNwVpHaAIfnD7ckFBe6krn4o2LT_HCUOBjiOLW-9uBxo5ZZy-FgCG3eSs0S1faUoGDV9PVaDm5mXCUAtPMc6uT90L06I138NvlKn9m3iroJnl7Kvhzp_zBYLGa0Uur353_ida0/s1600/Official+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKj_lHqQNwVpHaAIfnD7ckFBe6krn4o2LT_HCUOBjiOLW-9uBxo5ZZy-FgCG3eSs0S1faUoGDV9PVaDm5mXCUAtPMc6uT90L06I138NvlKn9m3iroJnl7Kvhzp_zBYLGa0Uur353_ida0/s640/Official+portrait.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When John was there, I was quiet and safe. In New York, every time I came to participate at the BSI weekend, I remember moments of solitude spent on the sidewalk of the 44th Street in front of the Algonquin Hotel, intimidated, lost and uncomfortable with my "bad" English, surrounded by Sherlockians who do not speak French, until I saw the silhouette of my giant friend advancing, far out there on Times Square, wearing a top hat, a reflecting monocle illuminating his pleased eye. For a week, John was the friend of everyone, but I felt like the only one that counted. He taught me how and where to eat "the best BBQ in NYC" and that a good pint of beer had to be drunk at McSorley's Old Ale House, this saloon with a floor covered with sawdust.<br />
<br />
Together we toured the Holmesian world, from New York to Paris, London to Meiringen. And it is with him that I climbed the slope leading to the Reichenbach Falls in the Swiss mountains, and we celebrated our arrival at the summit by improvising a duel with our sword sticks, before finishing by sharing a flask of whiskey, lying in the grass, me, a Mowgli resting her head in safe on the side of a tamed Shere Khan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i6oKMRVVIep9rvDQvStNwW-gr4DHreYnwhwiB-Fa6hcXfeiajNkX7Rv5ZFKeeAF07Ve2gzBZVubHxdBO4lLfrxNdjCjAZsXHTPVw_VyqKsmwYrmIYIfO2lGsyoAUZf7VMtrowH0tzgvl/s1600/Swordplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i6oKMRVVIep9rvDQvStNwW-gr4DHreYnwhwiB-Fa6hcXfeiajNkX7Rv5ZFKeeAF07Ve2gzBZVubHxdBO4lLfrxNdjCjAZsXHTPVw_VyqKsmwYrmIYIfO2lGsyoAUZf7VMtrowH0tzgvl/s640/Swordplay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's simple: with John, I've never done anything ordinary.<br />
<br />
My regret is that I wasn't able to see more of him, as he lived in California and I in France. If we were less Sherlockian, we both would be richer, and we would have been able to see each other more often. But there was a continent and an ocean between us. So, with the help of our memories, we console ourselves with exchanges via the Internet until the day that John will come to spend several months at my home, in the French countryside where I live today.<br />
<br />
The house is large and there are no stairs to climb to get to bed. He must come, I have no doubt or fear. It's just a matter of time. It is what he said each July 14th, when John would send me his "Vive la France!" for the annual Bastille Day.<br />
<br />
Look, it's weird, here we are on the 13th of August and I have not yet received his 2015 "Vive la France!" greeting. John may have been a failure with the Internet - unless - my friend may have returned to the land of the giants, up there... Well, then I'll have to find a magic bean to join him.<br />
<br />
The game's afoot!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb95i-KsDLGHxZfBnTTyD-sNQ05_bKmMfaakhfM61y1Q_GpnKz_HnyvAca5c-PCO5ifRmNKNWdSQyCZCba8g3yAm99BiWMBZ8qKGXjNCQy63Nyq0YsEu_rz28A7CtodPJjp4ikn3LS7RH/s1600/John+Farrell+-+Cagnat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb95i-KsDLGHxZfBnTTyD-sNQ05_bKmMfaakhfM61y1Q_GpnKz_HnyvAca5c-PCO5ifRmNKNWdSQyCZCba8g3yAm99BiWMBZ8qKGXjNCQy63Nyq0YsEu_rz28A7CtodPJjp4ikn3LS7RH/s1600/John+Farrell+-+Cagnat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketch of John by John-Pierre Cagnat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
amzn_assoc_asins = "051718785X";
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "24dde8b303564d6cea500aa27401dc66";
</script><br />
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script><br />
--<br />
<br /></div>

Remembering John Farrell, BSI

"he must certainly have been a giant" [WIST] John Farrell, BSI ("The Tiger of San Pedro") passed away in May at the...

+ Read more »

by Francine Kitts

Espionage: The Spies Among Us

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">'We are spies in an enemy's country' [REDH]</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFEHn6ynByY9kZ9LoxuR7txMqulsnPz0ePJroprDTi0B-Ym49Z8QlXyh8MkDz0OTA2_i2hlIPhd_g8lo4sLYVaPb62QcWbVl9Do0O5DOwk_xlbi_LGYLfP9maRgO-qmQdUunOOkz4CI8Y/s1600/colliersLAST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFEHn6ynByY9kZ9LoxuR7txMqulsnPz0ePJroprDTi0B-Ym49Z8QlXyh8MkDz0OTA2_i2hlIPhd_g8lo4sLYVaPb62QcWbVl9Do0O5DOwk_xlbi_LGYLfP9maRgO-qmQdUunOOkz4CI8Y/s320/colliersLAST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The young woman who led me to the steel interrogation chair was pleasant, but firm. If I would sit down and obey instructions, she wouldn't have to strap me in. I sat, and a male voice began asking me questions through a crackly intercom. I answered them. I had to: I was shown a shower pipe above my head and told that nasty things might come out of it. Uh-huh, the pleasant young woman nodded, it could happen. I answered more questions.<br />
<br />
And I knew for certain that I was in this predicament because a close friend — a woman, I need hardly say — had handed me over for interrogation just for the fun of seeing whether I would crack.<br />
<br />
While I was the focus of attention in this way, I was, unsurprisingly, not thinking about Sherlock Holmes. That came later. Certainly none of the authentic Holmes stories present such a cold-blooded and technologically enhanced interrogation scene. The steel chair and the intercom were of a 1960s, Cold War vintage, I'd say.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still, think of Sherlock Holmes in his identity as Altamont, a double agent for the British and the Germans in the months leading up to World War I, as described in "His Last Bow." If a woman had betrayed him, he might well have ended up under ruthless interrogation, something involving knives and fists more likely than shower pipes. Such things did happen, as Holmes hints — but they did not happen to him: "Agents were suspected or even caught."<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
"spies and secret agents" [SECO]</h4>
Spies figure in several other canonical stories, of course. Think in particular of "The Second Stain", published in 1904, in which a valuable state document is missing. "To whom would the thief take it?" Holmes asks rhetorically. "To one of several international spies and secret agents, whose names are tolerably familiar to me. There are three who may be said to be the heads of their profession." He names them: "Oberstein, La Rothiere, and Eduardo Lucas." The villain proves to be Lucas, who has blackmailed a politician's idiot wife into removing the letter from her husband's dispatch-box — a honey trap in reverse, one might say.<br />
<br />
Published four years later, but set in surely the same era, is "The Bruce-Partington Plans", in which a traitor makes off with working drawings for a submarine, and turns them over to — whom? Holmes asks his brother, who sometimes is the British government, for "a complete list of all foreign spies or international agents known to be in England, with full address", and gets three names in return. Interestingly, two are La Rothiere and Oberstein, who are familiar to him from the previous case. Lucas, having perished in the course of the "Second Stain" events, has been replaced by "Adolph Meyer, of 13 Great George Street, Westminster."<br />
<br />
Spies are implicit, though not mentioned, in "The Naval Treaty," and it is not difficult to see the presence of secret agents in at least three other tales, involving respectively Bohemia, Russia and San Pedro. (Details may be left as an exercise to the reader.) But for the most part Holmes's career involves crime rather than espionage — his war service as Altamont was a dramatic break with his previous work. (It is only fair to note that, <a href="http://kspot.org/holmes/spy.htm" target="_blank">in an article dating from 1994, Sherlockian scholar Carl Heifetz disagrees</a>, calling Holmes "the world's first and most preeminent master spy".) Sherlock Holmes as an international agent really came into his own in the 1940s, with the later Basil Rathbone films in which Nazi agents are foiled time and time again.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4dz7HboV1CfnYPVoLJIiq9_iBj308hAGZqFNDSIWzoo2OPlb4uW8z146Mbh_awY8zYr3hL596OvibFn8-N6RSD_H0wC0hQg5gBuNDdb2-PCb9GonUyw-uPH8nwU9SemRbF8Ux3vtYNof/s1600/His_Last_Bow_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4dz7HboV1CfnYPVoLJIiq9_iBj308hAGZqFNDSIWzoo2OPlb4uW8z146Mbh_awY8zYr3hL596OvibFn8-N6RSD_H0wC0hQg5gBuNDdb2-PCb9GonUyw-uPH8nwU9SemRbF8Ux3vtYNof/s1600/His_Last_Bow_02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
"realism pushed to its extreme limits" [IDEN]</h4>
The incident that I describe in the opening sentences of this report really did take place, by the way. I found myself under interrogation in the concrete cellar beneath a notorious watering-place in downtown Milwaukee, an establishment known as the <a href="http://www.safe-house.com/" target="_blank">Safe House</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vMuRsrpYCG-QAJbQ4vSyjF21a6y85uwLMCBxnBr7iuMljDk0DS-vrx070mmlXdkJC7auiMAaIrhrqNwmv3malQajex1y6mW8fJ5lihbHkQsEuZkG2x54Idzm3ZZVzxy94VwCjZJZKiAP/s1600/Interrogation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vMuRsrpYCG-QAJbQ4vSyjF21a6y85uwLMCBxnBr7iuMljDk0DS-vrx070mmlXdkJC7auiMAaIrhrqNwmv3malQajex1y6mW8fJ5lihbHkQsEuZkG2x54Idzm3ZZVzxy94VwCjZJZKiAP/s400/Interrogation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was taken to the Safe House (I might almost say lured there) by a beautiful woman, a well-known Sherlockian in fact. She whispered a password to the staff member monitoring the entrance, and slipped inside leaving me to the fate of those who have to get by on sheer bluff. <br />
<br />
I did make my way into the bar eventually, and had time to enjoy a drink and a slice of carrot cake (as well as the establishment's incredible decor of spy memorabilia, trickery, false doorways and surprises) before my companion gave me away. The walk down the metal staircase to the basement followed. As for the rest of the events, we must have an amnesty in that direction, I think.<br />
<br />
--</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>

Espionage: The Spies Among Us

'We are spies in an enemy's country' [REDH] The young woman who led me to the steel interrogation chair was pleasant, but f...

+ Read more »

by Chris Redmond

Authors Reflect on Part 2 of the World's Largest Sherlock Holmes Collection

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"a train of reflection" [VALL]</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitZJNMVTxRfDkkwpYB6Ax-zl0STNKtHLOhmn-D7B9Hd4zkDVxCVFUsNL5fUSKQDOyHZzcEtg3tFn9mTyL_HXoIo6NfFAsFLE18buje_d_yZzYjSMjICO9qWt1z4KoWPS4tM_JUoehWD-l/s1600/Vol+2+-+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitZJNMVTxRfDkkwpYB6Ax-zl0STNKtHLOhmn-D7B9Hd4zkDVxCVFUsNL5fUSKQDOyHZzcEtg3tFn9mTyL_HXoIo6NfFAsFLE18buje_d_yZzYjSMjICO9qWt1z4KoWPS4tM_JUoehWD-l/s400/Vol+2+-+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/07/behind-worlds-largest-new-sherlock.html#.VbxAx25Viko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The world's largest collection of new Sherlock Holmes stories</a> is on its way to being realized. The <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229605719/the-worlds-largest-new-sherlock-holmes-story-colle" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> campaign for the collection assembled by <a href="http://mxpublishing.com/" target="_blank">MX Publishing</a> has just over a week left before it concludes, and we're continuing to give some of the 64 participating authors a chance to reflect on their involvement. This is the second installment in the series (you can <a href="http://ihose.co/mxauthors1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">read part 1 here</a>) in which I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere will publish the answers of two questions that we asked each author:<br />
<div>
<ol>
<li>Tell us a little bit about your story without giving too much away. Where and when does it take place? Why did you choose that time for your story?</li>
<li>Why did you want to contribute to the anthology?</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
 Here are the responses from the participating authors in chronological order by the time their story takes place:<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://willthomasauthor.com/">Will Thomas</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6kqD7-LzuiDCU9Kb58PxbQ28R27tTrqTW3tVQja8-ytcMr542gYb4ZLZxkL7gpveAI1biylmotHtReOIfq-NXGBFWWVpX86dOpolXneDogNaHgp0OpK5OiiQFpNsB9E8Rn6PM8wLeo_m/s1600/MX+-+willThomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6kqD7-LzuiDCU9Kb58PxbQ28R27tTrqTW3tVQja8-ytcMr542gYb4ZLZxkL7gpveAI1biylmotHtReOIfq-NXGBFWWVpX86dOpolXneDogNaHgp0OpK5OiiQFpNsB9E8Rn6PM8wLeo_m/s1600/MX+-+willThomas.jpg" /></a></div>
The story I wrote was set in 1889, during Holmes and Watson’s early career. The duo is full of energy, and the adventure is more of a schoolboy lark compared with the more somber stories after "The Empty House." The mystery is classic early Holmes, and I can picture the original readers of the <i>Strand Magazine</i> puzzling over the clues. The setting is Tunbridge Wells because I have always been interested in those stories which take place in the south of England.<br />
<br />
I have been a Sherlockian since I was seventeen. When I first joined a local scion I was the youngest member by about twenty-five years. Now I’m the same age as most of the members.<br />
<br />
Being the founder of the<a href="https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Bartitsu_Forum/info"> Bartitsu Forum</a> on Yahoo, I considered bringing Holmes’s martial skills into play, but the pair of them were still so young I decided to have them tossed about by a character in the story instead. Presumably, this is what made Holmes feel he needed a little more training.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://annmargaretlewis.com/">Ann Margaret Lewis</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnRw1w6540iR7gDfhgvcDW0HO3ZZU4gmvGEX_cC5F6Ou6or8JU8BXXoy0CbFrz1hAVcby4oyl0moNXRvwDcc4fjeFlpn-mp9T5Mt_aE6StLgC0Eb1AMQsuvEb-tDNYuZQSDdLygwVPXjB/s1600/Ann+Margaret+Lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnRw1w6540iR7gDfhgvcDW0HO3ZZU4gmvGEX_cC5F6Ou6or8JU8BXXoy0CbFrz1hAVcby4oyl0moNXRvwDcc4fjeFlpn-mp9T5Mt_aE6StLgC0Eb1AMQsuvEb-tDNYuZQSDdLygwVPXjB/s200/Ann+Margaret+Lewis.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
In my story, "The Affair of Miss Finney," Sherlock Holmes solves a brutal case of rape, and Mrs. Watson (Mary Morstan) is a huge help. I chose this time period because I wanted readers to see more of sweet Mary. She was special to Watson, so I’d hope she’d be special to Sherlock fans.<br />
<br />
Besides my love for Holmes, I have a son who is special needs (Autism spectrum), so aiding a project for kids with special needs is close to my heart. I hope we can make Undershaw and Stepping Stones a load of cash, so they can preserve the past, and make sure those kids have a future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Historical-Sherlock/314567048570655">Vincent W. Wright</a></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7yI8fl6kNjpTnhuqtg6LeJ8tTIKsom9Q1c-YD5lwWXDRXrnMsV1G7XHhetBzjWXTKpykVpcgrdCOpsHxTAeJuk9JzFNm2elTkApn044yTqky15L4vtCNac5Ryj5orE_Poph6YgCEOaUI/s1600/MX-Wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7yI8fl6kNjpTnhuqtg6LeJ8tTIKsom9Q1c-YD5lwWXDRXrnMsV1G7XHhetBzjWXTKpykVpcgrdCOpsHxTAeJuk9JzFNm2elTkApn044yTqky15L4vtCNac5Ryj5orE_Poph6YgCEOaUI/s200/MX-Wright.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The title of my tale is "The Adventure of the Bookshop Owner" and is a classic Holmes-style mystery. It revolves around the murder of man who owns a small bookshop in north London. A fresh, young Inspector brings the case to Holmes, Holmes contacts Watson (who is married and in private practice) for his faithful assistance, and they attempt to settle some of the peculiarities of the case. The whole affair turns out not to be as straightforward as they all at first believed.<br />
<br />
The case is set on the evening of July 1, 1890, and is wrapped up shortly after. Being a chronologist I knew I had to try and place it somewhere that would not conflict with other cases. This is nearly impossible to do, but I did find a small opening in 1890. I had already decided to have it occur on the 1st of July, so it all worked out in the end.<br />
<br />
When I was contacted to possibly write something for the anthology I was somewhat taken aback. I had never written a pastiche, and was not a big reader of them. I took a day to consider it, and finally decided that it would be fun to give it a shot. I was flattered and honored to be asked as it was my presentations and papers on Holmes and Watson that had caught the ear and eye of the editor. I wrote 1500 words the first day, lost them all in a computer mishap, and started all over again. I was stunned at how fast the story came together. It was quite enjoyable. After some major rewrites and a few character changes it all came together. I have numerous people to thank for their assistance, and others to give a nod to for their encouragement. (They all know who they are.)<br />
<br />
I love being a part of this project, and look forward to learning about the benefits it reaps for Undershaw and Stepping Stones.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1MblqCP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Patrick Maynard</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_5PcMr5m13UUXrzXIrs32x81ibUFUHY53K0FYsN4AxqvCDrW49x1eEa5HQAI109TD0hU-SDGNrWr43SUDqz7_KcqbiulJFkjcBEhmRBLDfe5cPSTluRxzhiij3soB4QB1AOizON7rUwK/s1600/MX-Maynard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_5PcMr5m13UUXrzXIrs32x81ibUFUHY53K0FYsN4AxqvCDrW49x1eEa5HQAI109TD0hU-SDGNrWr43SUDqz7_KcqbiulJFkjcBEhmRBLDfe5cPSTluRxzhiij3soB4QB1AOizON7rUwK/s1600/MX-Maynard.jpg" /></a></div>
My story is "The Singular Case of the Unrepentant Husband" and concerns a friend of Mrs. Watson who believes she is being haunted by her late husband's ghost. The story takes place in London in the 1890s. I wanted to set the story after Holmes' return both for the advances in technology near the turn of the last century and the opportunity to portray the changes in Holmes and Watson's relationship. Too many writers favor the 1880s for classic Holmes and Watson. I wanted to take a slightly different approach.<br />
<br />
This is the third Holmes anthology I've had the honor to contribute to, and since I principally work as a continuation author for Sax Rohmer's Literary Estate, it is a pleasure to pay tribute to the author and characters that were the greatest influence on Rohmer's work. Additionally, when an editor invites you to contribute a story to a Holmes collection, one has an obligation to try their very best to deliver something that is hopefully worthy of the name. There will never be another Conan Doyle (or another Sax Rohmer). All of us merely try to pay tribute to their genius and their immortal creations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1MghCSc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew Booth</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf12BTVHKk89aUYlqK-kH1GCpWeiQKMkn7q64_S5jY8qAuaIiFXTvdDn8QvF21RVyS8M_KsDs9mCLgQTQ8Z2WDtxTmGehzh8xJuA899M0650Y9HXecLAl1JlfTdkPQo86uNJwdhDSUXrF/s1600/MX-Booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf12BTVHKk89aUYlqK-kH1GCpWeiQKMkn7q64_S5jY8qAuaIiFXTvdDn8QvF21RVyS8M_KsDs9mCLgQTQ8Z2WDtxTmGehzh8xJuA899M0650Y9HXecLAl1JlfTdkPQo86uNJwdhDSUXrF/s320/MX-Booth.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
The story is called "The Verse of Death."  It is set in 1890 which, I think, is the ideal era for Holmes, because it is a time when he is at his peak.  Watson is married and living away from Baker Street.  He calls on Holmes one afternoon, and his visit coincides with a visit from Inspector Lestrade, who is investigating the murder of a retired financier who has been murdered in his bedroom.  There are no means of access to the room – the door is locked and the windows all fastened.  Holmes is initially uninterested, and he dismisses the case, but he alters his view when Lestrade tells him that prior to the murder, the victim had received threatening messages in the form of macabre poems which foretold his violent death…<br />
<br />
I wanted to write as traditional a Holmes story as I could – I have always felt that the purpose of a pastiche is to continue the trend of the original.  So, with something like the Holmes stories, I think you have to approach it as though the story you are writing has been compiled from notes which come from the same battered tin dispatch box as the originals.  It has to feel authentic, and it should be able to stand between two original Holmes stories without a casual reader being able to see the joint.  Otherwise, what’s the point?  It was important to me to try and make it sound as authentic as possible, whilst retaining the same elements of mystery and Gothic romance which make the best of the original Holmes stories so endurable. <br />
<br />
I think it is an ambitious and exciting project.  I am a writer and a lifelong Holmes fanatic and the opportunity to contribute to such an important collection of new Holmes stories was too good to miss.  I like the idea of a collection which spans the entirety of Holmes’ career, and the notion of three volumes covering specific periods of his life is a good one.  It allows something for everyone, which is not always the case with collected anthologies of this type.   <br />
<br />
But it is not simply having the opportunity to contribute to a new series of Holmes stories (which is of course always a welcome thing).  There was also the added incentive of the cause behind it.  The preservation of Undershaw is an important project and being asked to contribute to it by doing something which I love was a request which was impossible to turn down.  I think the caliber and the number of writers who agreed to participate is testament to the passion for (and the importance of) the cause.  I think it’s something of which everyone involved with should and will be proud. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1eZ3ZYI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">J.R. Campbell</a></b></h3>
My story involves the theft of some skulls and is set in London at a time when skull collecting was a (relatively) new hobby. Since the internet, any Londoner with a credit card can plop a skull on their mantle and call themselves a collector, but things were different back in the day. If pressed, I’d say the tale was set in 1895, but then, when pressed, I always answer 1895. While I understand the urge to set out definitive time lines and such, I can’t say it’s a passion I share. Minds more clever than mine can schedule it where they like; I’ll not argue.<br />
<br />
This is where I’m expected to say good things about the Undershaw Preservation Trust, certainly a cause worthy of any compliments I could send their way. Although the banner under which this anthology rides is good, for my part, there are a number of writers in the company with whom I am very excited to be sharing pages with. Some, like Bob Byrne, Peter Calamai, and Matthew J Elliot, I’ve had the pleasure of working with before. Others, like Christopher Redmond, Bert Coules, and Lyndsay Faye, I’ve admired from afar. And there’s always the pleasure of discovering new favorites. I’m looking forward to reading all three volumes of this collection.   <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://literallystories2014.com/authors-k-z/sm-sz/stapleton-robert-v/">Robert V. Stapleton</a></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEyrqH_U2Qt32nkzyONt2B3_Brg7cLPJ-FAot7DDYN9-5E6DAJc_Vlnbih8kxmLGyXdd0Ti5tdr3dWahme7OTLzK-5U8P1EWKdv_n0s7Hszjn3YuRSxM_AmhSRZ_l-scJ-bI_uiHavkjq/s1600/MX-Stapleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEyrqH_U2Qt32nkzyONt2B3_Brg7cLPJ-FAot7DDYN9-5E6DAJc_Vlnbih8kxmLGyXdd0Ti5tdr3dWahme7OTLzK-5U8P1EWKdv_n0s7Hszjn3YuRSxM_AmhSRZ_l-scJ-bI_uiHavkjq/s200/MX-Stapleton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The story: In the early spring of 1891, with Sherlock Holmes out of the country, Professor Moriarty is bored. Breaking with his usual habit, he is tempted into taking part in hands-on criminal activity. This includes the theft of plans for a steam-powered flying machine. The timing of the story is important because it ties in with a genuine machine that was built, and may well have flown, in France in the autumn of 1890. <br />
<br />
The motivation: This story was originally written for another project, but I was then invited to submit it for possible inclusion in this anthology. Because of the timing of the story, it dovetails neatly with Conan Doyle’s other stories of Sherlock Holmes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://samwiebe.com/">SamWiebe</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinq9ua7vmOMZca9fE6PW7hd4A-w_rud5ZA50Mkojzb3MvGFhpEbf4IfjxL0xYpmeTt_drvqsHLQpuJZgqx9luZjMlqK4_xb9QG2yVnlbnbPQPUT5VhOfCmsS2X34WAnPg_l9aP0TL-YJ0h/s1600/MX-Weibe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinq9ua7vmOMZca9fE6PW7hd4A-w_rud5ZA50Mkojzb3MvGFhpEbf4IfjxL0xYpmeTt_drvqsHLQpuJZgqx9luZjMlqK4_xb9QG2yVnlbnbPQPUT5VhOfCmsS2X34WAnPg_l9aP0TL-YJ0h/s200/MX-Weibe.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
"The Glennon Falls" is a story about Professor Moriarty. On the eve of his rendezvous with Holmes at Reichenbach, he's thinking about his childhood tutor, a lower-class Scottish woman who dares to challenge him intellectually. I wanted to look at the formative events of Moriarty's life, and suggest that while Holmes is Moriarty's greatest adversary, he wasn't the professor's first.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, the stories find receptive readers, and hopefully, the anthology raises some money to support a cultural landmark.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.pmrp.org/">Jeremy Holstein</a></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZL69FSLTAXAaeY8xhzDf7PtiMNOWrmdX9n_y3bdeAUeD_qwC0ww6fq9DsU-JCIv5sv34j47_DqJH6LQg4C0FsTTuPLC6K-3PUz3h7eqMlv4PXB-Qb4O-SM9jVJExn-ka_D2e-TST0DJQ/s1600/MX-Holstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZL69FSLTAXAaeY8xhzDf7PtiMNOWrmdX9n_y3bdeAUeD_qwC0ww6fq9DsU-JCIv5sv34j47_DqJH6LQg4C0FsTTuPLC6K-3PUz3h7eqMlv4PXB-Qb4O-SM9jVJExn-ka_D2e-TST0DJQ/s200/MX-Holstein.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
The bulk of my story takes place during the Great Hiatus, when Holmes was presumed dead. It mainly focuses on Doctor Watson, and how he is dealing with both Holmes being gone and his wife's illness. A chance encounter with Inspector Lestrade leads to Watson being invited to help investigate a case, and the story progresses from there. I chose that particular era as I enjoy bringing Watson more into the spotlight. He is usually overshadowed by Holmes.<br />
<br />
Why participate in the anthology? Because David asked me to! Honestly, it was very flattering, and for a good cause to boot. His timing was, of course, terrible as I was in the midst of preparing a stage production of Charles Augustus Milverton for the Post Meridian Radio Players (we do Sherlock Holmes productions every summer,) but I couldn't say no. The lure of contributing to an anthology alongside other pastiche authors, many of whom I know and admire, was too seductive to pass up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.billcrider.com/">Bill Crider</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbbPjhxufYBdxnYzqrvAsZ-eHY1mxrSDt37prylbhubrqBXKB04mEoTPrGmDgRe2KRYmJ2WT8L9IxfAgR7_Lky1pvDVpkN4TRrh2aIsm-X1E7Thw1q4sjHjif1IAyI7XrB3YsbLku1ag/s1600/MX-Crider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbbPjhxufYBdxnYzqrvAsZ-eHY1mxrSDt37prylbhubrqBXKB04mEoTPrGmDgRe2KRYmJ2WT8L9IxfAgR7_Lky1pvDVpkN4TRrh2aIsm-X1E7Thw1q4sjHjif1IAyI7XrB3YsbLku1ag/s200/MX-Crider.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
My story takes place in early 1894 when Holmes isn't officially in England, and maybe he's not officially in the story, either.  It's based on an actual historical event, so that dictated the setting.<br />
<br />
It seemed like a great cause, and I wanted to be part of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.gaslightgrimoire.com/">Peter Calamai</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03dl1rb2j1EW4h5d50tcn-tlEpJ6iQdOtgNpe2IozZFShGhHon9EYDP3DmfpKT-iQHZailgmGoXXMvQI5cwFgTxQXyZ_bpG0_Y7naZtk43Lok4P3APoNXl8jqMi6bIfLaJWMVFhOd-Dg4/s1600/MX-Calamai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03dl1rb2j1EW4h5d50tcn-tlEpJ6iQdOtgNpe2IozZFShGhHon9EYDP3DmfpKT-iQHZailgmGoXXMvQI5cwFgTxQXyZ_bpG0_Y7naZtk43Lok4P3APoNXl8jqMi6bIfLaJWMVFhOd-Dg4/s200/MX-Calamai.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
My pastiche takes place during The Great Hiatus and is set in Ottawa, the capital of the then relatively new Dominion of Canada. I choose the time because then Holmes was free to travel across the Atlantic, although under an alias. It was also a time when Irish renegades in the United States, known as the Fenians, were engaged in trying to undermine the Canadian government by force.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
</div>
<br />
I choose the place because I know it well and had researched that time period.<br />
<br />
The question isn’t why did I want to contribute to the anthology but why wouldn any admirer of Arthur Conan Doyle <b><i>not</i></b> want to contribute to the preservation goal? Also I was eager to have some pastiches set in Canada. And I enjoy writing in the prose style of that era, and believe that I do it well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.lyndsayfaye.com/">Lyndsay Faye</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS80aNNIB3Xso8YAfUB-AdCUsJW0KAC_CuElHyyhHpJWk3XB8n_jQptBMQnZqPb9kasSgQg9YJx_lGWa-5F_gaB1Nxk3axAVnR6qUsVSsP42-yD_to_SDNbKLwAbUq-yTHqOxLewDa36pv/s1600/MX-Faye.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS80aNNIB3Xso8YAfUB-AdCUsJW0KAC_CuElHyyhHpJWk3XB8n_jQptBMQnZqPb9kasSgQg9YJx_lGWa-5F_gaB1Nxk3axAVnR6qUsVSsP42-yD_to_SDNbKLwAbUq-yTHqOxLewDa36pv/s200/MX-Faye.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
My story is set just after Sherlock Holmes returns, in 1894.  He hasn't yet interacted with Inspector Lestrade apart from the brief arrest of Colonel Moran, and Lestrade comes to Holmes and Watson with news of a grotesque murder--a man without a mark on him was found entirely drained of blood.  But something much more personal seems to be irking the inspector, and for Holmes to solve the crime, he has to not only unravel the bizarre mystery, but deduce why his old friend from the Yard is displaying such uncharacteristic animosity towards him.  "The Adventure of the Willow Basket" is more than a crime story--it's a story about forgiving friends and allies when they've been forced to make terrible choices.<br />
<br />
I contributed to the anthology because not only is Undershaw a great cause, but it's amazing to be a part of the biggest Sherlock Holmes anthology ever!  That's historic, and as a rabid Sherlockian, I couldn't miss the opportunity.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.mxpublishing.com/brand/Marcia+Wilson">Marcia Wilson</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/as/images/207/491/3/w100-3491207.JPG?20130512195350" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/as/images/207/491/3/w100-3491207.JPG?20130512195350" width="200" /></a></div>
The adventure is set in two separate time periods, opening after the Great War and moving to the late 1890's after Sir Henry returns from his Constitutional. Ever since <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> was published, Holmes and Watson have been plagued by a hungry public to go back to Dartmoor and tell the stories they believe should have happened.  I was thinking of poor Conan Doyle, and any writer who is urged to keep milking a story long after the story has ended.  So, in a way, that's a tribute to all writers. I got the idea, strangely enough, from Keye Luke's Charlie Chan.  Solving a case backwards isn't nearly as easy as it sounds because you have to be twice as careful!  It is even harder when no one else knows what in the world you're doing!<br />
<br />
I like to use the melting pot diversity of England, and this was my best chance to use two unusual beasts: female naturalists, and the Onion Johnnies of Brittany. There was an innate closeness with the traders that appealed to me, and a tip of the pen tribute to Conan Doyle's scripted comment of Mortimer noting a sense of attachment in the Celts.  Mostly, I like the idea of an ill Holmes fooling an ailing Watson into distracting himself into writing down one of the stories he has withheld for a long time--in the beginning Watson is writing about his aches and pains in his memory, but by the end he's forgotten them.  In the wake of the Great War, Holmes chooses to let Watson write "it" up because it will give the public something to think about.  <br />
<br />
Lastly, Stapleton's moth to me was one of the biggest loose ends in <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i>.  A brief look into the world of moth collecting and you'll see some amazing stories about the men and women who dedicate their lives and souls to the furtherance of insects.  There are not a few crimes involved!<br />
<br />
Why contribute to the anthology? David Marcum always has good ideas!  We've often commiserated over the difficulty in finding good solid Canon out there--by which we mean not just a Sherlock Holmes adventure based on the books and set in Victorian or Edwardian times, but where characters <b><i>besides</i></b> Sherlock Holmes are treated with respect. Here, I can show the strengths of Watson and Lestrade--they know they can trust him even if they haven't a clue as to what he's doing...again.  There's more than just trust when they demonstrate they can let Holmes be his strange, unfathomable self: they show that they know he gets results and he knows what he's doing.<br />
<br />
With David's vision, I saw everyone had a chance to raise the bar on pastiches and show there are creative ways of fundraising for worthy causes. I don't want a brick with my name on it--I want Undershaw to continue on in this fresh new way much as my Sir Henry is re-creating Baskerville Hall in a fresh new way.  The idea of writing for a charity like Undershaw...well, who wouldn't jump at the chance for something like that? In a way I see these stories as the ultimate fan letter to ACD.  How many times has Holmes done something on behalf of the underdog?  These stories show the positive ways he has affected us.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.bertcoules.co.uk/holmes.php">Bert Coules</a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57s908BeUoM_PO5WRw0Awv1dmhzEyxn6oT0SHbO-PsDJsh1HzQ3ojv4_3CDDrGQTVbiW9OYghhlA9gHG35uHsPm717dFWThX3TC_dsEykkDJDVmHYb985xr2cxwQ-PZCsGJCcjvxKGERa/s1600/MX-Coules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57s908BeUoM_PO5WRw0Awv1dmhzEyxn6oT0SHbO-PsDJsh1HzQ3ojv4_3CDDrGQTVbiW9OYghhlA9gHG35uHsPm717dFWThX3TC_dsEykkDJDVmHYb985xr2cxwQ-PZCsGJCcjvxKGERa/s320/MX-Coules.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
"The Saviour of Cripplegate Square" is the script of my original BBC drama, commissioned as part of the Further Adventures series, the sequel to the world's first complete dramatised canon.  It opens in the sitting-room of 221B on a stormy winter's night: rain beats against the windows, the wind howls in the chimney, the fire crackles in the grate, and Sherlock Holmes is in the mood to tell a dark tale of his earliest days as a detective.<br />
<br />
In general I was careful not to be too specific about the dating of any of the Further Adventures, but this particular story's mood of reminiscence and revelation seems to sit nicely with the time of Holmes's reappearance from his wanderings and Watson's return to the old Baker Street rooms, twin events which Sir Arthur himself pins down exactly; so - newly dated specially for this collection - the year is 1894.<br />
<br />
I went to Undershaw many years ago, soon after I started work on the BBC's complete canon.  I explored the rooms, walked through the garden, sat in the summerhouse, absorbed the abundant atmosphere and expressed my fervent hope to the lingering spirit of Arthur Conan Doyle that I wouldn't disgrace his creations and his memory.  I want to feel that any future writers who find themselves embarking on a similar task will have the opportunity to do as I did.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.mikehoganbooks.com/">Mike Hogan</a></b></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxK0aM1vd0fk-zh7kxhdnA-Yi0C-ZeGNvIaYpcha3TKhLDx-JF7bs6LHlOIlz2fHe20Fq8hj9F_o4HU58Vs3NDplkJyiuIpVKzy0c11fVlJKWHhzmad-MbCaOLDxT2whI0CFaEnF5Bxd5/s1600/Mike+Hogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxK0aM1vd0fk-zh7kxhdnA-Yi0C-ZeGNvIaYpcha3TKhLDx-JF7bs6LHlOIlz2fHe20Fq8hj9F_o4HU58Vs3NDplkJyiuIpVKzy0c11fVlJKWHhzmad-MbCaOLDxT2whI0CFaEnF5Bxd5/s200/Mike+Hogan.jpg" width="200" /></a>Most of my Sherlock Holmes stories are set in the early days of the friendship between him and Doctor Watson, which gives me a chance to explore their contrasting characters and have a little respectful fun suggesting Watson's understandable exasperation with his friend's eccentricities. Living with a man who conducts smelly experiments in the sitting room, pockmarks the wall with revolver rounds and encourages street Arabs, Holmes' Baker Street Irregulars, to drop by barefoot can't have been a bed of roses!<br />
<br />
But I needed to set my story of the lady on the bridge at a time after the premier of Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' as that play figures prominently in the plot. I chose the mid-nineties and I was able to include telephones, the Kinematograph, and the newly-completed Tower Bridge.<br />
<br />
At the time of my invitation from David Marcum to contribute to an MX anthology, we had in mind a much less ambitious project than the amazing three-volume compendium that has grown from his and Steve Emecz' original conception. I'm very proud to be part of that extraordinary effort, to be in such distinguished company and to make a small contribution to the renovation and maintenance of Undershaw.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carl-L.-Heifetz/e/B00E8R96PG">Carl Heifetz</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw79mPzv4wqtaZ0WEV0z5UZuax5fWLCN_qm9zqZEMidlJWKeanB1QlOxBmjUhLZcfePLSBKdgZ2Fioem_0u3u7dEYp6TggY83WnXddE8y00tAdWDa22ItBZsfQ0q5GfbGD4Q03mm_wAeEB/s1600/MX-Heifetz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw79mPzv4wqtaZ0WEV0z5UZuax5fWLCN_qm9zqZEMidlJWKeanB1QlOxBmjUhLZcfePLSBKdgZ2Fioem_0u3u7dEYp6TggY83WnXddE8y00tAdWDa22ItBZsfQ0q5GfbGD4Q03mm_wAeEB/s200/MX-Heifetz.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The story takes place in 1895, a time when great discoveries are made in the area of bacteriology and infectious disease. It involves a sickness among members of the same family and has all of the hallmarks of a mini epidemic. Fortunately, Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes are there to save the lives of the sickened individuals and solve the nature and source of the illness. At the end, they are able to bring two feuding brothers together in a family reunion.<br />
<br />
I am always happy to write about my hero Sherlock Holmes. Over the years, from 1984 to 2010,  I have published pastiches and treatises in  independent Sherlockian journals. As a microbiologist, I have focused on Mr. Holmes’ use of “the method of scientists” to solve his mysteries. Also, I have been interested in enhancing the infectious disease aspect.<br />
<br />
In 2013, I finally published a novella, <i>The Voyage of the Blue Carbuncle</i> as an homage to both Sherlock Holmes and my other addiction, <i>Star Trek</i>. The book has received excellent reviews.  As a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle, MD, I felt impelled to turn my talents towards helping preserve his beautiful estate for future generations.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://misterdg.wix.com/author">Dick Gillman</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYHs4lF0GCsNE-zni9q6gb5RlVzf2ytl5gYWY0QgHILaHluW02-VMw4j0cRNJaHbENKkOC2SriOMmObqC-WNAoZ1i_hALVaaIzPPwSmVJvm4OUT7w5RG0LFqieGeDtGBFyIGxiCpDz1z9/s1600/MX-Gillman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYHs4lF0GCsNE-zni9q6gb5RlVzf2ytl5gYWY0QgHILaHluW02-VMw4j0cRNJaHbENKkOC2SriOMmObqC-WNAoZ1i_hALVaaIzPPwSmVJvm4OUT7w5RG0LFqieGeDtGBFyIGxiCpDz1z9/s200/MX-Gillman.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
"The Man on Westminster Bridge" is set, as one might expect, in Victorian London. It is a story of despair, greed and carefully crafted revenge.</div>
<div>
<br />
What is it that drives a man to try to take his own life? Holmes witnesses such an attempt as he crosses the Thames at Westminster. Fortunately, Holmes is on hand to literally pull the unfortunate fellow back from the brink of the abyss… and so unfolds a new case for Holmes and Watson.</div>
<div>
<br />
The story revolves around a small gambling syndicate at Bairstow’s, a Gentleman’s club in Westminster. The seemingly impossible luck of one particular member, Major Tobias Cooke, is such that a scandal threatens to engulf the club and ruin some of its members.</div>
<div>
<br />
After a visit to the club by Holmes and Watson, young Wiggins provides the intelligence Holmes needs to bait a trap. Holmes delights in ‘setting up’ an unsuspecting Watson as a carefree gambler with money to burn. All that is needed now is a little Dutch courage for Watson and a pair of white, opera gloves for Holmes to work his magic!</div>
<div>
<br />
I particularly wanted to contribute to the anthology for two reasons. Firstly, I thought it would be a privilege for me to have my story included in a work that has so many great authors of the genre. It is a showcase for my work, and I was so pleased that my story was accepted for Volume 2 by editor, David Marcum, who has worked tirelessly on the project.</div>
<div>
<br />
Secondly, with my close links to education, I thought that the donation of the royalties from the sale of the books to help a very special school was inspired. Undershaw should be preserved and brought back to its former glory. It is a piece of our British literary heritage and should be as revered as the homes of other great writers.</div>
<div>
<br />
These three volumes from MX are a unique collection. I saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something that will benefit both our current and future generations. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
<b><a href="http://carolenelsondouglas.com/">Carole Nelson Douglas</a></b></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB-3KocR0Rtejo7N0eBEg6Wmz_3ajQ4ALnWQfY5YHwBEpM_rfgvkkt_R1kjNv5EjNBBSk9jsIts9Rm9PEBbDpsKhXAA2uYm9_qlEaiPV-jZ5hmfa6tVtWR80aSePOcT3o3Pquka2C9xQr/s1600/MX-Douglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB-3KocR0Rtejo7N0eBEg6Wmz_3ajQ4ALnWQfY5YHwBEpM_rfgvkkt_R1kjNv5EjNBBSk9jsIts9Rm9PEBbDpsKhXAA2uYm9_qlEaiPV-jZ5hmfa6tVtWR80aSePOcT3o3Pquka2C9xQr/s320/MX-Douglas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I wrote a poem, not a story, about a character and relationship frequently written and sung about and filmed in the Sherlock Holmes universe. It takes place in the mind of Sherlock Holmes and is called "The Bachelor of Baker Street Muses on The Woman."<br />
<br />
I read and reread the Sherlock Holmes stories as a child, and Holmes and Watson have never left my life and work. In my all-girls' high school, I imported them into an assigned skit I wrote and performed. (I was short, so I had to be Watson in an eyebrow pencil mustache.)<br />
<br />
As a daily newspaper reporter, I had 35 inches to fill on deadline with a subject who'd barely uttered a word. I turned his reticence into a case for Holmes and Watson to solve, and the story won the top journalism award in the state. <br />
<br />
As a full-time fiction writer, I wondered why no women had written a spin-off Holmesian series or used a woman from the Canon as a lead character. My Irene Adler series was the first, and the first novel,<i> Good Night, Mr. Holmes</i>, was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.<br />
<br />
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has contributed so much to my pleasure and imagination. Saving and restoring Undershaw is the least all of his readers and literary beneficiaries can do, especially with its new mission for learning disabled children.</div>
<br />
<br />
That concludes this week's spotlight article.  In <a href="http://ihose.co/mxauthors3">the next installment</a>, we will post the responses from the authors in the third and final volume of <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229605719/the-worlds-largest-new-sherlock-holmes-story-colle">The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories</a>. <br />
<br />
If you would like to be entered to win a copy of the three-volume anthology, here's how you can qualify:<br />
<ol>
<li>You must be <a href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub&publisher=445106&sitescope=45933">subscribed to our email updates</a>; <b>AND</b></li>
<li>You leave us a comment below describing why you're excited about this new anthology.</li>
</ol>
<br />
One winner will be selected at random from all entries. Drawing will take place on Wednesday, August 19, 2015.<br />
<br />
And don't forget: the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229605719/the-worlds-largest-new-sherlock-holmes-story-colle">Kickstarter campaign</a> will be active until Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 6:59 pm EDT. There's still plenty of time to pledge and get your copy of all three volumes before they are available to the public.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Editor's note:</b> <i>Please note that Will Thomas's story actually appears in the first volume of the anthology.</i><i><br /></i>
<i>--</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>

Authors Reflect on Part 2 of the World's Largest Sherlock Holmes Collection

"a train of reflection" [VALL] The world's largest collection of new Sherlock Holmes stories is on its way to being re...

+ Read more »

by Belanger Books

The Latest Sherlockian Collectible

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"They all sat like wax figures"[VALL]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1KVF72J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sherlock Funko set of 6" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcwmVjZlydjXSBgHx2yN5lAVdoxMHyfDoxg5sfxlzqZlOQ2gLoevYleHjjTAssT6qwHrgBTpqVzYxk0fqOPuMgtdukOZf3noPKNbEG-mTH3KEFSRepwwCGCSN0GjiQyC6sgIuXND6HMB/s640/Sherlock+Funko+set.jpg" title="Pop! Sherlock set" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've seen Sherlock Holmes <a href="http://ihrc.umn.edu/assets/img/Holmes001_000.jpg" target="_blank">figurines</a>. We've seen Sherlock Holmes <a href="http://amzn.to/1DvmrV0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">action figures</a>. Heck, we've even got a Sherlock Holmes <a href="http://amzn.to/1IN7mdc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bobblehead</a>. But the latest iteration should prove to be a bigger craze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you haven't heard of Funko Pop! Vinyl figures, they're stylized miniatures that stand just under 4 inches (10 cm) tall with extremely large heads, designed after pop culture icons. For example, there is a Pop! Marvel set, a <a href="http://amzn.to/1MahqCm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop! <i>Walking Dead</i> set</a>, a <a href="http://amzn.to/1eXC7o0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop! <i>Game of Thrones</i> set</a> - even a <a href="http://amzn.to/1MS904f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop! <i>Monty Python and the Holy Grail</i> set</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the one you're here for is the <a href="http://amzn.to/1MahzWs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop! <i>Sherlock</i> set</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see above, the set comes with six different figures - two Sherlocks, John, Mycroft, Jim Moriarty and Irene Adler.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can get <a href="http://amzn.to/1IN8mhh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the standard Sherlock</a>, poised and ready for action in his gloves, great coat and scarf:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1MaiMgz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzH7Ii1X2JWqfn80l7tN0H4IPC0MszMtwC85-1N3TJWRmizUKT5cNuKe1-subhhS58Ye-H7DGj0ZdIG-AeEec764WxNN2_lx2_yJdZPrs20q7ukSM-mZ5_hbT5ezAs04noFlmvciLhGC5/s640/Sherlock+Funko+Sherlock1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or there's always a more homey <a href="http://amzn.to/1eXDnHD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock, with his violin</a> handy:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1eXDnHD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPO_38wxylXi5kZgEeKyC6_3ChK_AvvcvBHgi3BJywSZcctbG0wFCd16_32WimSOm8NTQNHFxe9qxHhu9Xp9Cb2ouJzSHDXJknoqZ_0Y2zJ5CHfhjxDyfyQZKaMB99okR4H7zjO7MbFZJ/s640/Sherlock+Funko+Sherlock.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And what's Sherlock without his <a href="http://amzn.to/1PaXTBD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">trusted sidekick John</a>?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1PaXTBD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBU3mUxW1ERpccXzfMJHOyOe6j9iJwtqyu1awKx5xNel-3U44G3HKHSnMNPGmHEBP4XVqWHX3o2eTSVKG2xWxWGtorh44yUpMUB_s-vewQK_joqNJkDFQNZ0eecNLDF68jyoTYmrXAKbb/s640/Sherlock+Funko+John.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Working things from behind the scenes in the government, <a href="http://amzn.to/1gPCXoJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mycroft has his trusty umbrella by his side</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1gPCXoJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt=" Pop! Mycroft" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx6O-b5d5i-L_htH9xzdLwohHWxEf1zmA9jHFgE_h_W-qF1Uzcu1yUo1qy9jWSONDL8WBvKYCVCncq1EKikZWJgjL9oHZkjynuO4lxVp9ohiejVWLjDdQ7XPcjRXOclzTjv28AFdeatDx/s640/Sherlock+Funko+Mycroft.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The woman makes an appearance as well - <a href="http://amzn.to/1PaZsje" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">adventuress Irene Adler</a> (played by Lara Pulver, who was on <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose41" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 41</a>), with her handy mobile phone (locked, we assume) is resplendent in her white dress: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1PaZsje" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkusUAKqkFL-fTVDzAvYemU_JuvS3B5yyI4QslmirmmSwEbx4g_LnmW8z_XylCdnJhr9iLkDanMrDD6vmCp8GTXs4uehldyAFqRjg2JhUiIdWLVwIEgRHG27DhKmQo6msIz5cYM6RxQsb/s640/Sherlock+Funko+Irene.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, we come to the ultimate criminal, the Napoleon of crime, <a href="http://amzn.to/1SZU6gh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Moriarty</a> and his freshly bitten apple:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5sJIZHs8ackfoR5fIHF5erlSYqrPosD2LEjt1nv0HA-j8laiZnaDiswgwQfSaPyBaawr1NzezXfaDhyrjbybrMU2yOZw_U5hG8BlL9pzZEeqHmnVjGSbedwygPy9r8f_hL_BvzbgHH31/s1600/Sherlock+Funko+Jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5sJIZHs8ackfoR5fIHF5erlSYqrPosD2LEjt1nv0HA-j8laiZnaDiswgwQfSaPyBaawr1NzezXfaDhyrjbybrMU2yOZw_U5hG8BlL9pzZEeqHmnVjGSbedwygPy9r8f_hL_BvzbgHH31/s640/Sherlock+Funko+Jim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what do you think? Are you on board with these figures? Will you add them to your collection? Let us know!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
--<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakerstree-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B012U2RELI&asins=B012U2RELI&linkId=6XMGXBVV5EJFN65F&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe><br />
<br />

The Latest Sherlockian Collectible

"They all sat like wax figures"[VALL] We've seen Sherlock Holmes figurines . We've seen Sherlock Holmes action figu...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Mr. Gillette Goes to Washington

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"at Washington for it" [VALL]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLTjXfmI91x_Lr6DMpjd4QuzOmm8bi6sE4CoxDu2cN5-fDtHUEXPsX7aRBaAwHCz4O9zIRUHGOYzLPgIn4Ui-zsKXBOvV4FwR2JAhhuYRxiJoldjdeoYTWi4e6uXxIwhEis6ozj3Pdmgq/s1600/REDC+Gillette.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLTjXfmI91x_Lr6DMpjd4QuzOmm8bi6sE4CoxDu2cN5-fDtHUEXPsX7aRBaAwHCz4O9zIRUHGOYzLPgIn4Ui-zsKXBOvV4FwR2JAhhuYRxiJoldjdeoYTWi4e6uXxIwhEis6ozj3Pdmgq/s640/REDC+Gillette.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you missed the chance to see the William Gillette <i>Sherlock Holmes</i> (1916)<a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/06/sherlock-holmes-in-san-francisco.html#.VcNSmm5Viko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival in May</a> or in Paris in January, you may have another chance.<br />
<br />
From Peter Blau, BSI, 2s. ("Black Peter") comes information about the a showing of the film in the Washington, DC area, in conjunction with a meeting of the <a href="http://www.redcircledc.org/" target="_blank">Red Circle of Washington, DC</a>.<br />
<br />
<div>
The Red Circle will hold its next lodge on Friday, September 25 in Bethesda, Maryland. Attendees will be fortunate to hear Bob Katz, BSI, 2s. ("Dr. Ainstree") and Andy Solberg, BSI ("Professor Coram") discuss their recent work on the BSI Manuscript series in a talk titled "Of Morley and Manuscripts." You can listen to Bob and Andy on IHOSE <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 63</a> (<i>Irregular Stain</i>) and <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose76" target="_blank">Episode 76</a> (<i>Out of the Abyss</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The following morning, September 26, the Red Circle will present a theater screening of William Gillette's <i>Sherlock Holmes</i> at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema in Bethesda. Discount hotel rooms are available at the Bethesda Hyatt for out of town guests. <a href="https://www.landmarktheatres.com/Booking/bethesda-row-cinema/1721747" target="_blank">Tickets are available directly from the box office</a> According to Peter, "it's a grand opportunity to see this long-lost film on the big screen." We agree.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxg04VCiXEMBZbheRrwdieQc36OJ7wEXYWMIp95cli3wncB7IoP2JcV5bH1WxwqGCWh2Ye1Q59LA8rGWCzbiH5Jo3Voi4p6fCZ7Qpt5fdeAvS0P66qwFW_fSBNlUI6hgHLHh57YbwqoYo/s1600/Gillette+Poster+Washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxg04VCiXEMBZbheRrwdieQc36OJ7wEXYWMIp95cli3wncB7IoP2JcV5bH1WxwqGCWh2Ye1Q59LA8rGWCzbiH5Jo3Voi4p6fCZ7Qpt5fdeAvS0P66qwFW_fSBNlUI6hgHLHh57YbwqoYo/s640/Gillette+Poster+Washington.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more information on the screening, and a link to the theater box office, will be found on the Red Circle's web site: <a href="http://www.redcircledc.org/">www.redcircledc.org</a>.<br /><br />Why not plan a weekend in Washington? Fellow Sherlockians, great discussion and a rare opportunity to see a long lost cinematic gem.</div>
<div>
<br />--<br /></div>

Mr. Gillette Goes to Washington

"at Washington for it" [VALL] If you missed the chance to see the William Gillette Sherlock Holmes (1916) at the San Franc...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Sherlockian Oval Stickers

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"Apply 221B" [NAVA]</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1Sd66JagMVb_9qptGRL477ShSq_lPwN-D7smCIeXB9rBKpSN5Ef-B2tm5BoJtp_2ctTPNFoLtF-q1OCnNkRtWHtgykGjUDx_k2IdJ9eI7P4aoAiMBFu5ytdTJpfgfMS717MRCe5BYwKt/s1600/221B+Sticker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1Sd66JagMVb_9qptGRL477ShSq_lPwN-D7smCIeXB9rBKpSN5Ef-B2tm5BoJtp_2ctTPNFoLtF-q1OCnNkRtWHtgykGjUDx_k2IdJ9eI7P4aoAiMBFu5ytdTJpfgfMS717MRCe5BYwKt/s640/221B+Sticker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in stock after a few years, it's the oval sticker that the Sherlockian world can claim as its own.<br />
<br />
You've likely seen the oval stickers made famous on automobiles all over Europe: GB (Great Britain), IRL (Ireland), D (Germany), NL (Netherlands), etc. Or perhaps you've seen their American cousins: MV (Martha's Vineyard), OBX (Outer Banks), as well as any of the two-letter state abbreviations. We've even seen some fun ones like WINE (Napa Valley) and USMC (US Marine Corps).<br />
<br />
Years ago, we were bothered that Sherlockians didn't have one of their own. And then we found ourselves behind a vehicle sporting an oval sticker reading "26.2" — the length of a marathon. And we quickly realized that more than letters could sit within the logo.<br />
<br />
We immediately set out to create our own version and we came up with the 221B oval sticker, which sold out fairly quickly. We've added an 1895 version as well, so you can tell everyone that you may drive a horseless carriage, but "it's always 1895."<br />
<br />
Select the design or designs that work for you — including any you might like to give as a gift or include in holiday cards this year. Make your vehicle an homage to Sherlock Holmes. Don't drive? No problem — use it on your laptop, refrigerator, pinboard or even your cat. Well, maybe not your refrigerator, let's not be silly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH5HR-c-OFinBq11JlMEC2p-Rm304nLU2tHWdyJkxM7CS5TDdRfciBYACwp1KEBnT1jYMDeebufFjB79Ib88pxcFpRqWqO744cc-hf0x4WyzG2wfpVBkDI1pGWWuRklFWA1wfsSL6SoLr/s1600/221B+Sticker.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH5HR-c-OFinBq11JlMEC2p-Rm304nLU2tHWdyJkxM7CS5TDdRfciBYACwp1KEBnT1jYMDeebufFjB79Ib88pxcFpRqWqO744cc-hf0x4WyzG2wfpVBkDI1pGWWuRklFWA1wfsSL6SoLr/s400/221B+Sticker.PNG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="CM86NBQCVYCYN">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1">
</form>

</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlCUY-HGXbkVBiJwNWhmPckewjChHhq6nhOcHZ9IwHT_0ZTZeZiXqWaI4FyD4uvdlX8eFKOjcwdei_RhdFQrzTjgm5EABlQcIF32YZ_ybMX-qM5wRTCkeaVHG7KH-YcVhDWmkFye_t9xK/s1600/1895+Sticker.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlCUY-HGXbkVBiJwNWhmPckewjChHhq6nhOcHZ9IwHT_0ZTZeZiXqWaI4FyD4uvdlX8eFKOjcwdei_RhdFQrzTjgm5EABlQcIF32YZ_ybMX-qM5wRTCkeaVHG7KH-YcVhDWmkFye_t9xK/s400/1895+Sticker.PNG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="NS358C9CQ37BA">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1">
</form>

Sherlockian Oval Stickers

"Apply 221B" [NAVA] Back in stock after a few years, it's the oval sticker that the Sherlockian world can claim as its ow...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Qualify for the Quiz on #IHOSE80

<div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"the records of your detective have reached us here" [HOUN] </h4>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKCdVTJ3Uz5Sx7qghyphenhyphenWjhQk8b8Hra-OJ_vIr2xr7t8NWsxqubPHmhYQPKVqJIx-JHEmjT2qK1BKcY_ZmFjeO_1RE_dDa6kKCtQsH9oLT_zpPhUOFZibYKIIigIin_0xIrR-88pypQn3Rt/s1600/IHOSE_caption+19+-+RESI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKCdVTJ3Uz5Sx7qghyphenhyphenWjhQk8b8Hra-OJ_vIr2xr7t8NWsxqubPHmhYQPKVqJIx-JHEmjT2qK1BKcY_ZmFjeO_1RE_dDa6kKCtQsH9oLT_zpPhUOFZibYKIIigIin_0xIrR-88pypQn3Rt/s1600/IHOSE_caption+19+-+RESI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
While we had a take a short hiatus from "Mental Exaltation," our quiz feature in the last episode of IHOSE due to time constraints, we're going to be back on track for Episode 80.<br />
<br />
You can listen to <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose78" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 78</a>, in which we put Sandy Kozinn to the test (annotated below at 1:04:30).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/210468269&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">If you've listened to NPR shows like </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/" style="color: #006f85; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> and </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/" style="color: #006f85; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Weekend Edition Sunday</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, you'll know that there are opportunities for listeners to participate in quizzes. In the former, a guest typically plays on behalf of a listener; on the latter, the listener plays live on the air.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">As </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> (the podcast) has a connection with NPR - we've been called "a cross between NPR's </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Car Talk</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> and </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Fresh Air</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">" - we thought it would be entirely appropriate to model our own quiz program after the two above.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Here's how "</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Mental Exaltation</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">" works:</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<li>Each month, we'll post a qualifying question to determine a listener who'll play / be played for on the program. Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.</li>
<li>If you'd like to enter, you must <a href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub&publisher=445106&sitescope=45933" style="color: #006f85; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">subscribe to I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere by email</a>.</li>
<li>We'll either have a guest play on your behalf or we'll patch you into the show to have you play over the phone or Skype.</li>
<li>If your player or you succeeds in passing the test, you'll win a random item from our I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Grab-Bag of Goodies (that's the IHOSE GBG).</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">We're going to be joined on Episode 80 by Zach Dundas, author of <a href="http://amzn.to/1OIsCVS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Great Detective: The Amazing Rise and Immortal Life of Sherlock Holmes</i></a>. Our quiz and the qualifying question are directly related to the book, so stay tuned!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1OIsCVS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq9WeaAQ5f1BjGZYztrtGpW6NJfZzySqsFZmSBBPSLDQoq44DB1JNFoTJeAicgkEYFfIFsD70MH_o-H6aZMjZP63Wl82-gazA0k1vggtDcOI1SUVNcviVs8fqfOL-lIw_STav0FDhsJne/s400/The+Great+Detective.Dundas.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 18.2000007629395px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<b>Qualify now</b></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Our next quiz recording will take place on Friday, August 7. You have until </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 pm ET</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> to qualify. And here's how to enter:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="750" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1O1KLf8aJ-462g5QIoY4IvirPOpkZn1KUS0fDf-10LwA/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading...</iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Good luck!</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
--<br />
<br /></div>